Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced strong criticism of the recent arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, warning that it could have “serious consequences” for the future of technology and freedom of speech.
I've criticized Telegram before for not being serious with encryption.
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) August 25, 2024
But (given the info available so far: the charge seems to be just being "unmoderated" and not giving up people's data), this looks very bad and worrying for the future of software and comms freedom in Europe.
In a tweet published shortly after Durov’s arrest, Buterin expressed his concern over the potential impact on software innovation and the broader freedom of communication in Europe. While Buterin has previously criticized Telegram’s encryption approach, he emphasized that this arrest marks a dangerous precedent that threatens the principles of open communication and technological progress.
Buterin also highlighted a noticeable shift in public attitudes toward tech leaders. He noted that while these leaders were once criticized for holding too much power, they are now increasingly being targeted for refusing to conform to governmental demands.