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French President Emmanuel Macron has faced significant criticism from the tech community following the arrest of Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov at Le Bourget Airport on August 24. Notable figures, including Elon Musk and Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski, have voiced their concerns regarding the situation.
The Open Network Society, an organization representing the (TON) community, has issued an open letter condemning Durov’s detention. The letter characterizes his imprisonment as a severe infringement on fundamental human rights and free speech principles. It calls for intervention from international bodies such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union to urge France to uphold human rights standards. The letter also appeals to social media companies and technology firms to resist state censorship and information embargoes, emphasizing that Telegram’s content moderation complies with the EU’s Digital Services Act.
Despite mounting pressure, French authorities have announced an extension of Durov’s detention until August 28, as part of an ongoing investigation into an unnamed user allegedly engaged in illegal activities using the Telegram platform. This decision has further fueled criticism from free speech advocates and the tech community.
In response to the backlash, President Macron has asserted that Durov’s arrest is not politically motivated. However, this statement has failed to quell the criticism, with many in the online community perceiving the situation as an attempt to stifle free expression.
Additionally, Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski has left Europe, citing concerns over the French government’s stance toward Rumble and the potential for further detentions of tech executives involved in free speech initiatives. Pavlovski’s departure highlights the growing apprehension among technology leaders regarding the French government's approach to online platforms and free speech.
