Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino Condemns Arrest of Telegram Founder Pavel Durov
August 26, 2024 – Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of Tether, the issuer of the popular stablecoin USDT, has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging platform Telegram. Durov was reportedly detained by French authorities at an airport in Paris, a move that has sparked outrage and calls for his immediate release from various quarters, including prominent figures in the cryptocurrency industry.
In a post on social media, Ardoino highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that Durov’s arrest for “enabling free speech communications through Telegram” is troubling. He warned that if society does not succeed in defending the freedoms of speech and communication, the future could descend into a “dark age.” Ardoino emphasized the importance of protecting these fundamental rights, suggesting that without them, other societal issues would become irrelevant(CoinJournal,BBX,Coinlive).
Background on the Arrest
The arrest of Pavel Durov comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of messaging platforms by governments worldwide, often in the context of regulating digital communication to prevent misuse. However, Durov and his supporters argue that Telegram has been a vital tool for free speech, particularly in countries where communication is heavily censored.
Telegram has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and affirming its compliance with European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act. The platform described the arrest as “absurd,” emphasizing that the responsibility for misuse should not fall on the platform or its owner(CoinJournal).
Industry Response
The news of Durov’s arrest has elicited a strong response from the cryptocurrency community. Justin Sun, founder of TRON, has pledged financial support for a campaign to secure Durov’s release, promising to donate $1 million towards a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) dedicated to the cause if it garners sufficient community backing(CoinJournal).
The incident also led to a sharp decline in the price of Toncoin (TON), a cryptocurrency associated with Telegram, which fell by over 16% following the news of Durov’s arrest.
Implications for Free Speech
The arrest raises significant concerns about the future of digital communication and the rights of individuals to freely express themselves. Ardoino’s comments reflect a broader anxiety within the tech and crypto communities about increasing governmental control over the internet and digital platforms. The unfolding situation will likely continue to attract global attention, especially from advocates of digital rights and freedom of speech.
