Political Factors in Global Communication Platforms: Pavel Durov’s Case

A balance between national security and fundamental human rights is of great importance in the digital age. This research featured the recent conflict between Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messenger, and the French authorities. The analysis relied on Johan Galtung’s theory of structural violence in the context of the global confrontation between technology companies and government agencies with a focus on national security and data privacy issues. The historical, legal, and social contexts were described from the perspective of political factors. The conflict contributed to the legitimization of state control over digital platforms as a result of institutional pressure from the state, information inequality, and cultural violence. The French authorities applied institutional pressure by using institutional advantages to achieve control over the private data of Telegram users. Governmental access to confidential information aggravated information inequality that violated citizens’ rights to privacy and freedom of expression. The development of a public narrative about the priority of security over privacy was assessed as a form of cultural violence that legitimizes governmental interference in private life. Pavel Durov’s position was interpreted as nonviolent resistance to structural violence, aimed at protecting the digital rights of users and maintaining the balance of power between the state and technology companies. New legislative international standards for regulating digital platforms and innovative technological solutions could lead to a compromise of interests.