Durov didn’t name the country directly but included a baguette emoji, which many see as France. In order for democracy to thrive, the voices of the opposing side should not be silenced but instead given a platform for recognition, he said.
Durov said that it is impossible to defend democracy by destroying it. You cannot have fairness in elections and free speech; either you have it, or you don’t. “People of Romania deserve both.”
Durov’s stance on digital independence
Durov, who advocates for freedom of speech, privacy, and digital independence, commands a distinct influence within the tech and crypto communities. His latest stance reinforces Telegram’s pledge not to remove a single post, regardless of what the government may say.
Controversy Surrounding Durov’s Arrest in France
Following Durov’s highly controversial arrest in France in August 2024, the censorship conflict is arising and is causing quite the stir internationally. The arrest is considered political by free speech advocates and crypto leaders who accuse the French authorities of targeting Durov to moderate content on the platform.
French President Emmanuel Macron ruled out the accusations, saying that France stands for freedom of speech. Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius Labs, was among those who found it contradictory to prosecute the founders of tech for content yet claim to be pro-free speech.
“You can’t keep founders personally liable and charge them for 20 years for not moderating speech while claiming to uphold freedom of expression: Mumtaz”
A Broader Battle for Digital Rights
The incident has sparked a broader discussion over the role of technology companies in regulating political content, especially in elections. Durov criticized French officials for bypassing established procedures and issuing an arrest warrant, while Telegram adheres to law enforcement requests that are in accordance with the law.
Authorities and decentralized networks like Telegram are increasingly engaging in conflicts. This exposes the tension between regulating speech and state control. With Romania’s elections in focus, Durov’s position suggests that to protect what is essentially a democratic choice, all views and opinions must be given a chance.
