French President Macron Defends Arrest of Telegram CEO Durov
French president Emmanuel Macron responded to the backlash from the tech community surrounding the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, asserting that the action was not politically motivated.
Macron’s Response
Macron addressed the concerns, stating that misinformation was circulating about France following Durov’s arrest and emphasized France’s commitment to freedom of expression, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Arrest of Pavel Durov
Durov was detained by French authorities upon his arrival in Paris, accused of facilitating illegal activities by allowing unmoderated communications on Telegram.
- Tech leaders condemned the arrest as an attempt to silence Durov, a vocal advocate for free speech.
- Accusations against France escalated, with some likening the situation to fascism.
Reactions to the Arrest
Various figures, including crypto investor Balaji Srinivasan and whistleblower Edward Snowden, criticized Macron for Durov’s arrest, alleging infringement on basic human rights.
- Srinivasan questioned Macron’s support for tech founders in light of the arrest.
- Snowden expressed disappointment in Macron’s actions, calling them a violation of privacy rights.
Political Backlash
The backlash against Macron’s perceived involvement in Durov’s case prompted the president to clarify that the arrest was based on an independent judicial inquiry.
- The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Durov had been under investigation since July, with specific charges related to illegal activities on Telegram.
- Durov is accused of complicity in crimes like child pornography distribution and narcotics sales.
Telegram’s Integration with Crypto
Telegram’s Open Network, originally initiated by the messaging platform and continued by community developers, has seen increased integration with cryptocurrencies like Toncoin (TON).
TON Integration
Telegram uses TON to compensate channel operators with a share of ad revenue, while also facilitating a crypto gaming trend on the platform.
- Games such as Hamster Kombat and Notcoin have gained popularity on Telegram, leveraging the TON ecosystem.
Impact on TON Price
The news of Durov’s arrest led to a significant drop in TON’s price, causing it to lose its position among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
- TON’s value has decreased by 19% in the past week following the arrest.
Hot Take: Macron’s Stand on Durov’s Arrest
Reflecting on the situation, it’s evident that Macron’s response to the arrest of Pavel Durov has sparked controversy and debate within the tech and crypto communities. As the story unfolds, the implications for privacy and freedom of expression remain key considerations for stakeholders.
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