Pavel Durov: Telegram Will Exit Markets Before Compromising User Privacy

Telegram Doubles Down on Privacy as EU Pushes for Encryption Backdoors

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has issued a stark warning to European lawmakers: the platform will not compromise user privacy — even if it means exiting markets like France.

In a strongly worded message shared on his Telegram channel, “Du Rove’s channel,” on April 21, Durov criticized ongoing efforts within the European Union (EU) and France to mandate encryption backdoors in private messaging apps. These backdoors would allow government authorities to bypass end-to-end encryption, raising serious concerns about user privacy and cybersecurity.

“Telegram would rather exit a market than undermine encryption with backdoors and violate basic human rights,” Durov declared. “Unlike some of our competitors, we don’t trade privacy for market share.”

Backdoors: A Security Risk, Not a Solution

Durov emphasized that encryption backdoors not only compromise privacy but also introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. Once such access points are created, he argued, it becomes technically impossible to restrict access to only law enforcement.

“Backdoors put private messages at risk of being accessed by hackers, foreign agents, and other criminals,” he warned.

Durov also pointed out the ineffectiveness of such surveillance strategies. Should major platforms implement backdoors, criminals would likely migrate to lesser-known apps and use VPNs, effectively circumventing regulation while exposing regular users to increased risk.

Telegram’s Track Record: Privacy Over Compliance

While Telegram complies with legitimate court orders in some jurisdictions, Durov clarified that this does not include access to private messages. Telegram only provides IP addresses and phone numbers tied to criminal investigations — and only when presented with valid legal documentation.

“In its 12-year history, Telegram has never disclosed a single byte of private messages,” Durov stated.

This stance aligns with Telegram’s broader mission to protect freedom of speech and digital sovereignty, often setting the app apart from competitors who have faced criticism for government cooperation.

Growing Concerns Across the EU

Although the French National Assembly rejected a recent proposal in March to allow hidden access to private messages, Durov warned that the battle for digital privacy in Europe is far from over.

He highlighted the ProtectEU initiative launched by the European Commission in April. The proposal aims to create "technological solutions" for law enforcement access to encrypted data by 2026. Privacy advocates argue that such language is a euphemism for backdoor mandates.

An excerpt from the EC's ProtectEU proposal. Source: EU

Finnish MEP Aura Salla has criticized the initiative, stating that any attempt to create backdoors would “fundamentally undermine the very cybersecurity principles ProtectEU aims to uphold.”

“No country is immune to the slow erosion of freedoms,” Durov concluded. “Every day, those freedoms come under attack — and every day, we must defend them.”

Legal Challenges Mount for Durov in France

Durov’s defense of user privacy comes amid a growing legal battle in France, where authorities have launched a case against him, alleging that Telegram facilitates illicit transactions on its platform.

If convicted, Durov faces up to 10 years in prison and a €520,000 (approx. $550,000) fine. The outcome of this case may have broad implications, not only for Telegram but also for the future of encrypted communication in Europe.

The Bigger Picture

As the EU grapples with balancing public safety and digital rights, Telegram’s defiant stance signals a growing rift between regulators and tech platforms. With global attention now fixed on how these policies unfold, the choices made in Brussels and Paris could shape the future of online privacy and freedom for millions of users.