Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been denied permission to travel to Norway for the Oslo Freedom Forum due to ongoing legal proceedings in France. A French court ruled against his request, compelling him to attend the conference remotely via livestream.
Legal Troubles Prevent In-Person Appearance
Durov has been under judicial supervision since his arrest at Paris–Le Bourget Airport in August 2024. French authorities have charged him with complicity in the dissemination of child exploitation content and drug trafficking. These charges stem from allegations of lax moderation on the Telegram platform.
As part of his bail terms, Durov cannot leave French territory without explicit approval and is required to check in with police twice a week. These restrictions ultimately barred his physical presence at the Oslo event, where he was expected to deliver a keynote address.
Human Rights Advocates Express Disappointment
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), which organizes the Oslo Freedom Forum, criticized the court’s decision. HRF founder and CEO Thor Halvorssen commented, “It is unfortunate that French courts would block Mr. Durov from participating in an event where his voice is so needed.”
In a separate revelation, Durov accused French intelligence of pressuring him to censor political content on Telegram related to Romania’s presidential race—specifically, posts favoring conservative candidates. Durov said he refused to comply, affirming his platform’s commitment to free speech. In response, France’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the claims as “completely unfounded.”
A Broader Debate on Tech Accountability
Durov’s legal case has intensified the ongoing debate about tech companies’ roles in content moderation and law enforcement cooperation. It highlights how governments are increasing pressure on digital platforms to manage harmful material—and the legal consequences of failing to do so.
Even under these legal constraints, Durov continues to be a central figure in discussions around digital freedom. His virtual participation in the forum is expected to offer critical insight into the balance between platform neutrality and regulatory responsibilities.
