Russian Telegram users now have more media freedom than Europeans, as EU censorship grows—raising alarms over the future of free expression across digital platforms.

Pavel Durov Exposes Media Censorship Divide Between EU and Russia

Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, has criticized media restrictions in the European Union, highlighting what he described as greater freedom for Russian users compared to Europeans. In a post on social media platform X Tuesday, Durov remarked:

Access to certain Russian media has been restricted in the EU under DSA/sanctions laws. Meanwhile, all Western media Telegram channels remain freely accessible in Russia. Who would have thought that in 2025 Russian Telegram users would enjoy more freedom than Europeans?

Durov’s comments reflect growing unease over the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and sanctions aimed at curbing misinformation and blocking state-affiliated Russian outlets. While the EU frames these measures as essential to maintaining information integrity, critics, including Durov, argue they risk eroding the very principles of free expression. Telegram, which operates with minimal content restrictions, continues to allow Western media channels to function unimpeded in Russia, emphasizing the contrasting approaches to media control. Durov’s observation raises questions about the balance between security and freedom in digital spaces as governments implement tighter regulations.

In August, Durov was arrested in France on charges related to the platform’s alleged facilitation of illegal activities. Following his arrest, the Telegram founder was released on bail with conditions restricting his travel and requiring regular check-ins with French authorities. In response to legal pressures, Telegram has reportedly enhanced its content moderation practices and is now on track to achieve profitability for the first time. This situation has sparked a broader debate about the responsibilities of platform owners in monitoring user activity and the balance between privacy and regulatory compliance.

In addition to addressing regulatory disparities, Durov highlighted delays in Telegram’s latest update due to Apple’s app review process. “We planned an epic New Year’s Eve update with unique gifts for our users. Unfortunately, it’s been stuck in Apple’s review process for a few days, and we still have no response from them,” he stated on X Tuesday. Durov also revealed that Telegram surpassed $1 billion in revenue for 2024, driven by an increase in premium subscribers and new monetization initiatives.
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