In an era where digital privacy faces increasing threats, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has reaffirmed the platform’s uncompromising stance on user security. Durov warns that Telegram would rather exit markets like France than implement encryption backdoors that compromise private communications. This bold declaration underscores the company’s commitment to safeguarding user data, even at the cost of losing access to key regions.

​​The EU’s Push for Encryption Backdoors​​
Recent legislative efforts in the European Union, particularly in France, have sought to mandate “backdoor” access to encrypted messaging apps. These proposals aim to allow law enforcement to bypass encryption for criminal investigations. However, Durov argues that such measures fundamentally undermine privacy rights. “Telegram will not betray its users by weakening encryption,” he stated, emphasizing that the platform prioritizes human rights over market share.

​​Why Encryption Backdoors Are a Global Risk​​
Durov highlights a critical flaw in backdoor policies: they cannot be restricted to legitimate authorities. “Technically, it’s impossible to ensure only police access,” he explains. Hackers, foreign agents, and criminals could exploit these vulnerabilities, exposing billions of private messages. Worse, bad actors might migrate to less-regulated platforms or VPNs, rendering such laws ineffective while putting ordinary users at risk.

​​Telegram’s Track Record of Privacy Protection​​
Since its launch in 2013, Telegram has never disclosed private message content, even under legal pressure. The platform complies with valid court orders by sharing IP addresses and phone numbers linked to criminal activity—but never message data. Durov points to the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) as a balanced framework, allowing cooperation with authorities without sacrificing encryption. “Not one byte of user messages has been leaked,” he asserts.

​​The EU’s “ProtectEU” Proposal: A Threat in Disguise?​​
Despite France rejecting a 2024 bill permitting covert access to messages, the EU’s “ProtectEU” initiative reignites concerns. The proposal seeks “technical solutions” for law enforcement to access encrypted data by 2026. Critics, including Finnish MEP Aura Salla, argue that backdoors contradict cybersecurity principles. Durov warns that such measures erode freedoms incrementally: “No nation is immune to the slow erosion of privacy.”

True security
Telegram’s defiance reflects a growing clash between privacy advocates and governments seeking expanded surveillance powers. Durov’s resolve to exit markets rather than compromise encryption sets a rare precedent in tech. As debates over digital rights intensify, Telegram’s stance underscores a vital truth: true security cannot coexist with backdoors.