Key Takeaways:
- Tech backlash: French President Macron faces criticism after Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov’s detention, with tech leaders decrying it as a free speech violation.
- International appeal: The TON Society has called on global bodies like the UN and EU to intervene, emphasizing the importance of encryption and resistance to state censorship.
- Continued tensions: Despite denying political motives, Macron’s stance hasn’t alleviated concerns; Durovโs detention has been extended, prompting fears among other tech executives.
French President Emmanuel Macron is facing criticism from tech leaders following the detention of Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov in France.
The Open Network (TON) Society has issued an open letter demanding Durov’s release, condemning his arrest as a violation of free speech.
๐๐จ๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ #FREEDUROV.
— TON Society ๐ (@ton_society) August 27, 2024
An Open Letter Mini App in Telegram.
Anyone who values privacy and freedom of speech should sign this letter to Frenchโฆ pic.twitter.com/i46ohO7F9G
The letter appeals to international bodies, including the United Nations and the European Union, to intervene.
It also stresses the importance of encryption in protecting fundamental rights and urges tech companies to resist state censorship.
Despite the growing backlash, French authorities have extended Durov’s detention until August 28, citing an ongoing investigation.
I have seen false information regarding France following the arrest of Pavel Durov.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024
France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so.
In a state governed by the rule of law,โฆ
President Macron has denied any political motivation behind the arrest, but this has not eased the concerns.
Meanwhile, Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski has reportedly left Europe, fearing similar actions against other tech executives.