TLDR
- Pavel Durov warned that the world is quickly losing the free and open internet.
- He stated that governments are using safety and regulation as a justification for mass surveillance.
- The European Union is considering a law that would scan private messages before they are sent.
- Australia has introduced new age verification rules that raise concerns about privacy and data collection.
- The United Kingdom is moving forward with digital ID plans that may threaten personal freedom.
Governments worldwide are pushing policies that could end the free internet, warns Telegram founder Pavel Durov. He issued the warning on his 41st birthday, claiming that privacy and free speech face increasing threats. Durov used his platform on X to highlight global trends eroding fundamental digital rights.
Government Surveillance Efforts on the Rise
Lawmakers across the European Union are discussing the Chat Control proposal, a regulation that has sparked global concern. The measure would require Telegram and other encrypted platforms to scan messages before delivery. Critics argue that this undermines encryption and poses a threat to civil liberties across Europe.
I’m turning 41, but I don’t feel like celebrating.
Our generation is running out of time to save the free Internet built for us by our fathers.
What was once the promise of the free exchange of information is being turned into the ultimate tool of control.
Once-free countries…
— Pavel Durov (@durov) October 9, 2025
Durov noted, “Once-free countries are introducing dystopian measures” like these that restrict open digital communication. Australia is introducing online age verification rules that apply to all social platforms, including Telegram. These rules raise concerns about mass data collection and user surveillance.
In the United Kingdom, digital ID rollouts have prompted backlash from privacy groups. These IDs could centralize personal data and increase the risk of misuse, especially when paired with broad surveillance. Durov linked such developments to a global decline in online privacy.
Telegram CEO Issues Stark Privacy Warning
Durov accused Western democracies of reversing hard-won freedoms under the excuse of regulation. “A dark, dystopian world is approaching fast,” he wrote in a widely shared post. He believes the public is being misled into supporting policies that reduce freedom.
According to Durov, Germany prosecutes critics of state officials online, while the UK jails people for their tweets. He added that France is investigating tech leaders who promote free expression and user privacy. Telegram remains at the center of these debates due to its strong stance on encryption.
Despite facing pressure, Telegram has continued to resist surveillance demands from global authorities. Durov insisted the platform does not scan private messages and upholds secure communications. He warned that this generation might be the last to enjoy true digital freedom if these trends persist.
Crypto and Decentralization Offer Alternatives
Privacy has always been central to the cryptocurrency world, a space closely tied to Telegram’s growth. Telegram supports the TON blockchain, which reflects Durov’s mission to promote decentralized alternatives. This initiative aligns with efforts to keep digital communications outside government control.
Durov’s experience with regulatory pressure has influenced Telegram’s approach to privacy. Following recent legal issues in France, the platform has updated its cooperation policy with law enforcement. However, it emphasized that this cooperation does not include blanket data access or surveillance.
Telegram still commits to protecting its users’ rights through encryption and decentralized tools. Durov’s message remains clear: “We’re running out of time to save the free internet.” He called for urgent public awareness and resistance to policies limiting privacy.
Telegram has become a symbol of resistance against centralized control and regulatory overreach. As global laws evolve, Durov believes Telegram must lead the fight to preserve online freedom. He urged the current generation to protect privacy, free speech, and the internet itself.
