Related: Tornado Cash dev Alexey Pertsev’s bail a ‘crucial step’ in getting fair trial, defense saysIn both cases, members of the crypto community have recognized the possible implications to free speech and privacy, and come to support the executives. Jose Fabrega, head of marketing at Ethereum-based blockchain Metis, called Durov’s arrest the “Tornado Cash case all over again.”Source: Jose FabregaNatalia Latka, director of public policy and regulatory affairs at blockchain analysis firm Merkle Science, has previously told Cointelegraph that “Historically, software developers were seen as neutral creators of tools and platforms, responsible for their technical functionality but not for how those tools were used.”However, she said this has been changing with the proliferation of decentralized tools that “challenge traditional regulatory frameworks.”This puts decentralized platforms in a “tight spot,” crypto platform Onesafe wrote in a blog post on March 17.“This means knowing the legal frameworks governing their operations and engaging with regulatory bodies.”It also called the Durov case a “pivotal moment” for the cryptocurrency industry and called on crypto firms to advocate for more “balanced regulations” and support advocacy groups. Durov himself wrote on March 17 that Telegram has “not only met but exceeded its legal obligations.” Implications for free speechObservers and critics alike have raised concerns about Durov’s arrest — discussing what it means for free speech and whether the arrest could have been politically motivated. Chris Pavlovski, the CEO of “alt-tech” video-sharing platform Rumble, said that it was the final straw for him and his company, which had previously clashed with French officials over censorship issues. Source: Chris Pavlolvski Gregory Alburov, an investigator for the Anti-Corruption Foundation of late Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny, said the case “in addition to being unjust as hell (Durov obviously isn’t engaged in terrorism or weapons trafficking), is also a huge blow to freedom of speech.”Durov’s previous clashes with regulators, particularly in 2018, when he refused to comply with an order from Russian telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor, have led many to believe that the charges were politically motivated. While French President Mannuel Macron publicly stated that the case is not an attack on Durov, Dmitry Zair-Bek — a human rights lawyer and head of the human rights organization Department One — disagrees. Related: Free speech and online privacy: Pavel Durov's rise to the top“Durov is essentially being targeted for his efforts to protect users’ privacy and, of course, for his refusal to cooperate with intelligence agencies,” he said. Regardless of the motivations, the outcome of the case will have clear implications for future platforms.
The preliminary charges against Durov claimed he was responsible, at least in part, for the illicit activities allegedly enabled by the platform’s encryption and support for cryptocurrencies. The argument will sound familiar to crypto industry observers, who have been following the case of Alexey Pertsev, the developer of cryptocurrency mixer service Tornado Cash.
Durov had been in France since August 2024, when he was arrested at the Le Bourget airport in Paris. Durov was part of an investigation containing allegations of negligence and complicity in crimes like narcotics trafficking, money laundering, child sexual exploitation and terrorism.
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