Pavel Durov has reportedly been granted permission by a French court to leave France for two weeks and travel to Dubai, where his company is based. The authorization, effective July 10, marks the second temporary exemption from the strict judicial surveillance regime to which he is subjected, following his arrest in August 2024.
The move comes after French authorities denied a similar request in May, when Durov had planned to speak at the Oslo Freedom Forum. Unable to attend in person, he gave his speech remotely.
The Human Rights Foundation , organizer of the Oslo Freedom Forum, had harshly criticized the travel restriction imposed on Durov, calling it an excessive measure and worrying for its implications on civil rights. According to the foundation, limiting the freedom of movement of an entrepreneur, without a final conviction, risks creating a dangerous precedent , especially in a context in which technology plays a central role in freedom of expression and the protection of privacy.
Many supporters of the Teelgram CEO and international observers also interpret this story as part of a broader trend: a growing climate of legal and institutional pressure against entrepreneurs in the tech sector, particularly those developing decentralized or crypto-focused tools.
In this context, the Durov case is seen not just as a personal issue but as a global test case for the defense of digital innovation, user privacy, and free enterprise in an era of increasing government surveillance.
Telegram founder's arrest sparks global debate over digital accountability
Durov's legal battle began last August, when he was arrested at Le Bourget airport , near Paris. He was later charged as part of a broader investigation by French authorities into Telegram's alleged role in facilitating criminal activity .
Authorities argue that the app's lack of content moderation, coupled with its support for encrypted communications, disposable phone numbers and cryptocurrency payments, has created fertile ground for illicit activity .
Released on a €5 million bail, Pavel Durov remains under judicial surveillance in France. He is required to report to a police station twice a week and must obtain court authorization for any travel outside the country. The approval, albeit temporary, to travel to Dubai is an exceptional concession in the context of the restrictions imposed.
Telegram Strengthens Moderation as Legal Pressure Mounts
The case has attracted global attention from privacy advocates and the tech industry, with figures including Edward Snowden and Elon Musk criticizing French authorities, calling the move an overreach.
Since Durov’s arrest, Telegram has changed the way it handles illegal content . As a result, the platform now warns users about the risks of sharing prohibited material. If they do so, their IP addresses and phone numbers may be disclosed to authorities. This is a big change from Telegram’s previous, more privacy-focused approach.
Meanwhile, the episode has rekindled interest in The Open Network (TON) , a blockchain project initially launched by Telegram under Durov’s leadership. Although TON was abandoned in 2020 due to pressure from the US SEC, it continues to operate as a separate ecosystem supported by the cryptocurrency community.
Advocates now see Durov’s legal battle as a broader test for decentralized platforms. They are watching closely to what extent developers can be held accountable for the use of their technologies.
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