Pavel Durov has sharply criticized the European Union’s approach to regulating online platforms, accusing the bloc of advancing a “globalist” censorship agenda under the guise of combating harmful digital content. The Telegram founder’s remarks come in response to a recent report highlighting alleged abuses occurring within private groups on his messaging platform, intensifying an already contentious debate over privacy, moderation, and state oversight in the digital age.

The controversy was sparked by a report aired on France 24 on April 9, citing research conducted by AI Forensics. According to the study, nearly 25,000 users across Spanish and Italian Telegram groups were involved in sharing explicit images of women, often without consent and sometimes in exchange for money. The report also alleged that these groups facilitated doxxing and coordinated harassment campaigns targeting women.

The researchers claimed that much of the content circulating within these groups originated from mainstream social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Telegram, they argued, served as a central “hub” for organizing, distributing, and monetizing such material. The report further emphasized that Telegram’s features-including end-to-end encryption and private, paid-access channels-created an environment where abusive behavior could flourish with relative anonymity and limited accountability.

AI Forensics concluded that Telegram should be designated a “very large online platform” (VLOP) under the EU’s Digital Services Act. This classification would subject the platform to stricter compliance requirements, including enhanced content moderation obligations, transparency measures, and risk mitigation protocols. The recommendation reflects growing concern within the EU about the role of encrypted platforms in facilitating illegal or harmful activities.

Durov, however, rejected the premise of the report and the broader narrative surrounding it. In a post published on Telegram, he described as “crazy” the suggestion that his platform should be considered problematic simply because users discuss or share content originating from other social media services within private groups. He framed the criticism as part of a coordinated effort by NGOs, media outlets, and policymakers to justify increased surveillance and regulatory control.

Central to Durov’s argument is his claim that AI Forensics operates with financial backing linked to billionaire financier George Soros. He alleged that such organizations function as contractors to the European Commission and play a role in shaping public discourse to support regulatory expansion. While Soros has long funded various civil society initiatives across Europe, Durov’s characterization reflects a broader skepticism among some tech leaders and political actors toward NGO-driven policy influence.

Durov also criticized several prominent media outlets-including El País, Der Spiegel, and Wired—for amplifying the findings of the AI Forensics report. He labeled these organizations as “globalist outlets” and accused them of contributing to what he described as public manipulation aimed at eroding digital freedoms.

“I doubt anyone still takes these organizations seriously,” Durov wrote, arguing that public trust in such institutions has declined, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of challenging narratives that, in his view, are used to justify restrictions on free expression and privacy.

The dispute underscores a fundamental tension between platform operators and regulators: how to balance user privacy with the need to prevent harm. Telegram has built its reputation on strong privacy protections, including encrypted messaging and minimal data collection. However, critics argue that these same features can be exploited by bad actors, making it difficult for authorities to detect and address illegal activities.

The European Union has been at the forefront of efforts to regulate large digital platforms through frameworks like the Digital Services Act. The legislation aims to create a safer online environment by imposing obligations on companies to remove illegal content, protect users, and ensure transparency in algorithmic systems. For platforms designated as VLOPs, the requirements are particularly stringent, reflecting their scale and societal impact.

Durov’s criticism also comes against the backdrop of his own legal challenges in Europe. In 2024, he was arrested in Paris and held for several days as part of an investigation into Telegram’s alleged failure to curb criminal activity on its platform. While he was later released, the case highlighted growing pressure on messaging services to cooperate more closely with law enforcement. Durov has consistently maintained that the proceedings are politically motivated and represent an attempt to undermine Telegram’s independence.

Beyond Europe, Telegram is also facing scrutiny in Russia, where authorities have accused the platform of failing to comply with domestic regulations. In February, Russian officials announced an investigation into alleged legal violations by Telegram and Durov, including claims related to the platform’s handling of terrorism-related content. The country’s communications watchdog subsequently began slowing down Telegram’s service, citing its reluctance to remove content deemed illegal under Russian law.

These parallel developments illustrate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape confronting global tech companies. Governments across different jurisdictions are seeking to assert greater control over digital platforms, often with differing priorities and legal frameworks. For companies like Telegram, navigating these demands while preserving core principles-such as privacy and free expression-poses a significant challenge.

At the heart of the debate is a broader question about the future of the internet: whether it will remain a decentralized space prioritizing user autonomy, or evolve into a more tightly regulated environment shaped by state oversight and corporate accountability. Durov’s remarks reflect a clear stance in favor of the former, warning against what he sees as a gradual erosion of freedoms.

However, critics argue that such a position overlooks the real harms that can occur in unregulated or lightly moderated spaces. The allegations outlined in the AI Forensics report-ranging from non-consensual image sharing to organized harassment-highlight the potential consequences of insufficient oversight. For policymakers, the challenge lies in addressing these issues without undermining fundamental rights.

As the EU continues to refine its regulatory approach and platforms like Telegram push back against increased scrutiny, the outcome of this debate will likely have far-reaching implications. It will shape not only how digital services operate within Europe but also set precedents that could influence global standards for online governance.

For now, the clash between Durov and EU-linked actors represents a microcosm of a larger struggle-one that pits competing visions of the digital future against each other, with privacy, security, and freedom hanging in the balance.

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