A French judicial authority has denied Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s request to travel to Norway, effectively blocking his appearance at the upcoming Oslo Freedom Forum set for Tuesday, May 27.
The decision prevents Durov from delivering a high-profile speech on digital surveillance, online freedom, and human rights at one of the world’s most influential gatherings of activists and technologists.
Human Rights Foundation Reacts
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), which organizes the Oslo Freedom Forum, issued a strong statement expressing disappointment and concern. HRF founder Thor Halvorssen condemned the court’s ruling:
“Technologies like Telegram are basic tools for those resisting tyranny. This is more than a disappointment for our community; it is a setback for freedom.”
Durov had been invited to share insights on safeguarding digital privacy and resisting authoritarian surveillance—a subject on which he’s long been a prominent voice.
Ongoing Legal Case in France
The travel ban stems from Durov’s ongoing legal entanglements in France, where he has been under investigation since August 2024. Though no direct charges have been filed, authorities are probing Telegram’s potential liability in facilitating criminal activities via its platform. French prosecutors argue that as the platform’s founder, Durov may bear legal responsibility for misuse by third parties.
He is currently out on bail, and until now had been allowed to travel internationally for official and professional engagements. This recent denial marks a reversal of that earlier flexibility.
Broader Implications for Digital Rights
The court’s unexpected restriction not only undermines Durov’s ability to engage with the global human rights community, but also raises alarms about platform liability, freedom of expression, and judicial overreach in the digital age.
Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing to hand over user data related to Ukrainian protesters, has become an emblematic figure in the fight for secure, censorship-resistant communication. His absence from the Oslo stage is expected to leave a notable void in discussions about digital autonomy and state surveillance.
What’s Next?
While Durov remains in France pending legal proceedings, the broader tech and rights communities are expected to rally around the issue, with many calling for greater protections for developers of privacy-focused tools.
Follow TheCoinInfo for continued coverage on Durov’s case, digital rights developments, and updates from the 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum.
