Pavel Durov declared that France is "not a free country" after police raided office X in Paris, claiming that authorities are persecuting social networks that provide "a degree of freedom" like Telegram, X, and TikTok.
The reaction of the Telegram founder comes amid France's investigation into multiple allegations related to content and activities on platform X, while Durov has also faced similar scrutiny in France over illegal content on Telegram and censorship pressure.
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Pavel Durov criticized France after the raid on X's office in Paris, saying this is not a "free country."
The investigation by France targets multiple allegations, including far-right content and sexual abuse materials; authorities also mentioned Grok/xAI as a related factor.
Durov and Elon Musk both emphasized the importance of free speech and privacy, while both are facing legal pressure in France.
France's raid on X's office in Paris has sparked controversy over freedom on social media
France has searched X's headquarters in Paris as part of a criminal investigation, prompting Pavel Durov to speak out that France is suppressing platforms that provide users with "a degree of freedom."
According to published information, the search was conducted by prosecutors and police, with support from Europol representatives. The incident is described as part of an investigation into multiple alleged behaviors on the platform.
Durov stated that France is targeting X, Telegram, and TikTok, viewing them as services that allow users to express broader opinions. He also asserted that his main message is for users to "not be misled" about the level of freedom in this country.
Durov accused France of persecuting platforms "that provide a degree of freedom"
Durov said that France's actions against X are evidence that this country is not a "free country," while asserting that social networks like Telegram, X, and TikTok are being criminally prosecuted.
The content Durov posted on X appeared after news of French law enforcement raiding X's office in Paris. He criticized targeting platforms that significantly influence the flow of information and public discussion.
"The French police are currently raiding X's office in Paris. France is the only country in the world that is criminally prosecuting all social networks that provide people with a degree of freedom (Telegram, X, TikTok…). Do not be misled: this is not a free country."
– Pavel Durov, post on X (03/02/2026)
Durov's original post has a link here: see the post dated 03/02/2026.
The investigation by France cites allegations of far-right content and sexual abuse materials
French authorities stated that the search of X is part of an investigation into multiple allegations, including the dissemination of far-right content and sexual abuse materials, along with some behaviors suspected of being organized and systematic.
According to prosecutors' descriptions, the allegations include "fraudulent data extraction," "forgery," and "operating an illegal online platform" by an "organized group," as well as acts of "denying crimes against humanity."
The investigation also addresses Grok, an AI application chatbot developed by xAI operating on the X platform. Authorities partially blamed "spicy mode," claiming that this mode had generated "tens of thousands" of deepfake sexual images of women and children.
Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino were invited to participate in "voluntary interviews."
French prosecutors stated that they have summoned Elon Musk and former CEO of X Linda Yaccarino to participate in "voluntary interviews" on 20/04.
This move indicates that the investigation is not limited to technical operational levels, but also addresses questions about platform governance responsibility, content control mechanisms, and product decisions related to AI.
In the context of many countries intensifying regulations on digital platforms, the incident in France focuses on how authorities balance user safety, legal compliance, and the risk of "going too far" into censorship.
Durov criticized the "exploitation of child protection" to legitimize censorship and surveillance
Durov argued that using the goal of child protection to justify censorship and mass surveillance is unacceptable, and accused those promoting this of "not stopping at anything."
In a follow-up comment to the original post, Durov highlighted the concern that campaigns against harmful content could be turned into political tools or tools for expanding surveillance power.
His comment was published at: see the comment on X.
"Exploiting child protection to legitimize censorship and mass surveillance is disgusting. These people will not stop at anything."
– Pavel Durov, comment on X (03/02/2026)
Durov and Musk both face legal pressure in France, despite being on two different platforms
Durov has previously been investigated in France for allegations related to Telegram being exploited to share illegal content and support illegal transactions, while Musk is being summoned in the investigation surrounding X.
The article stated that Durov, 41 years old and holding a French passport, was arrested in 08/2024 and had previously been detained. After being released, he was still questioned further the following summer in the ongoing investigation.
Durov has repeatedly denied the allegations, asserting that Telegram was not created for illegal purposes. At the same time, he acknowledged that criminal activity on the platform has increased and agreed to enhance censorship.
In an interview on the Lex Fridman podcast last fall, Durov stated that Paris had pressured him to shut down or censor Telegram channels during the presidential elections in Romania and Moldova in exchange for favorable treatment in his legal case in France.
Privacy is the intersection between Durov and Musk in the debate about messaging platforms
Durov and Musk both emphasize privacy, especially in discussions about the safety of messaging applications, after Musk supported the view that WhatsApp is not safe.
The content mentioned that Meta Platforms, the company that owns WhatsApp, has been sued by users regarding claims that conversations are private. This detail is noted as part of a broader argument about user trust and the risks when a platform both provides public services and must meet multinational legal requirements.
In the context of crypto and cryptocurrencies heavily reliant on private communication infrastructure (communities, wallets, OTC, technical support), debates about censorship, surveillance, and platform responsibility may indirectly impact user behavior and how crypto communities organize information channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pavel Durov say after the raid on X's office in Paris?
He stated that France is "not a free country" and argued that this is a country that "criminally persecutes" social networks that provide users with "a degree of freedom" such as Telegram, X, and TikTok.
What allegations is France investigating against X?
The allegations mentioned include the dissemination of far-right content and sexual abuse materials, along with questions such as "fraudulent data extraction," "forgery," "operating an illegal online platform," and "denying crimes against humanity."
What is Grok/xAI's relation in the French investigation?
French authorities believe part of the issue relates to Grok, the AI chatbot from xAI running on X. They stated that "spicy mode" has generated "tens of thousands" of deepfake sexual images of women and children.
What are Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino required to do?
French prosecutors stated they have summoned Elon Musk and former CEO of X Linda Yaccarino to participate in "voluntary interviews" on 20/04.
What legal troubles has Durov faced in France?
The article reported that he was previously accused of Telegram being used to share illegal content and support illegal transactions. Durov was arrested in 08/2024, later released but still questioned during the investigation.