French spies challenge Durov's censorship accusation
France's foreign intelligence service has denied claims that its director pressured Telegram founder Pavel Durov to censor political content on the messaging platform.
Durov claimed on Sunday that the government of a Western European country – which he hinted was France – had asked him to block conservative Romanian content on Telegram ahead of the country's presidential runoff. After Paris denied involvement, Durov identified Nicolas Lerner, head of the Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE), as the official behind the request.
On Monday, the DGSE told French outlets Agence France-Presse and Le Monde that it had contacted Durov on multiple occasions, but only to 'firmly remind him of his company's responsibilities, and his own personally, in preventing terrorist and child pornography threats.' The agency rejected accusations of political interference.
Durov was arrested in France last August after arriving at Le Bourget Airport and charged with complicity in crimes allegedly carried out by Telegram users, including extremism and child abuse offenses. He was released on €5 million ($5.46 million) bail. The Russian-born entrepreneur, whose company is headquartered in Dubai, left France with official permission in mid-March.
The dispute emerged as Romania held its second attempt at a presidential election. On Sunday, pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan narrowly defeated Euroskeptic rival George Simion in a runoff. A previous vote last year was annulled after right-wing independent Calin Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round.
Romania's Constitutional Court invalidated the initial vote, citing alleged Russian interference. Media reports linked Georgescu's surge in support to a digital campaign orchestrated by a firm with ties to the ruling National Liberal Party, which may have aimed to split the conservative vote.
Romania's Foreign Ministry has also accused Moscow of meddling in the latest runoff. The Russian government has dismissed the claim.
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