French Senate Pushes Encryption Backdoor Bill; Telegram's Durov Vows Privacy Fight Amid Legal Challenges

April 23, 2025
French Senate Pushes Encryption Backdoor Bill; Telegram's Durov Vows Privacy Fight Amid Legal Challenges
  • He also stated that compromising digital security could lead to a loss of user trust and the erosion of privacy.

  • French authorities are pushing for legislation that would require messaging apps to create backdoors for law enforcement access to encrypted communications.

  • A bill mandating such backdoor access has already passed the French Senate and is now awaiting approval from the National Assembly.

  • The European Commission's ProtectEU proposal aims for lawful access by law enforcement by 2026, but it has faced criticism for conflicting with cybersecurity principles.

  • Human rights activists and digital security experts warn that implementing backdoors could create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit.

  • The outcome of these legislative efforts could significantly impact digital privacy rights in Europe and set important precedents for the future.

  • This push for backdoor access is not limited to France; other countries, including the UK and Sweden, are also exploring similar initiatives, raising concerns about global digital privacy standards.

  • Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, strongly opposes these measures, arguing that they compromise user privacy and confidentiality.

  • On April 21, Durov reiterated Telegram's refusal to implement backdoors, even if it means withdrawing from certain markets to uphold user rights.

  • Durov emphasized that Telegram has never disclosed user message content and only shares IP addresses and phone numbers when compelled by a court order.

  • Despite the recent rejection by the French National Assembly of a proposal for covert access to messages, Durov believes the pressure for digital privacy reforms will continue.

  • Durov is currently facing legal challenges in France for allegedly facilitating illegal transactions, which could result in penalties of up to ten years in prison and a $550,000 fine.

Summary based on 1 source


Get a daily email with more France News stories

Source

French Authorities Push For Backdoor Access In Messaging Apps

More Stories