Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s arrest in France sparks reactions from Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin and Tron founder Justin Sun – Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust (ETH) Shared Units of Fractional Undivided Beneficial Interest (ARCA:ETH)

Prominent voices from the cryptocurrency world react to popular messaging app arrest TelegramCEO and Founder Pavel Durov in France.

Co-founder of Ethereum Vitalik Buterin expressed concerns about the future of software and freedom of communication in Europe following the recent events surrounding Telegram.

What happened: Ethereum ETH/USD Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin expressed concerns about the future of software and freedom of communication in Europe in a post published on X on Sunday.

Buterin said he had previously criticized Telegram’s encryption. Still, accusations made by authorities about the “lack of moderation” and refusal to hand over user data made the problem seem “very bad.”

I’ve criticized Telegram before for not taking encryption seriously.

However (taking into account the information available so far: the accusation apparently concerns only “lack of moderation” and non-disclosure of user data) it looks very bad and worrying in terms of the future of software freedom and communication in Europe.

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) August 25, 2024

Another well-known blockchain entrepreneur, Justin Sunalso responded. Throne TRX/USD founder proposed a decentralized funding initiative to help Durov with his legal battles. Sun pledged to donate $1 million to the cause if it garnered enough community support.

We should show the unity of the cryptocurrency industry by organizing #FreePaul DAO will help Telegram founder Pavel Durov legally regain his freedom. I will donate $1 million if it is created in a decentralized way with enough community support. @elonmusk @MarioNawfal

— HE Justin Sun 孙宇晨(hiring) (@justinsuntron) August 25, 2024

Some users called Sun’s proposal a marketing ploy, claiming that money is not an issue for Durov and that his net worth is estimated at over $15 billion.

See also: Powell’s rate cut signal sparks optimism in cryptocurrency world: experts look at Bitcoin’s potential growth

Why it matters: The reactions came after Durov’s arrest, which shocked many in the corporate world and free speech advocates.

Durov, a Russian-French billionaire, was detained Saturday evening while traveling on a private jet. The arrest is linked to an ongoing police investigation in France that is reportedly focused on Telegram’s lack of moderators, which allows criminal activity to continue on the platform

Tesla General Director Elon Muskwho also runs social media platform X, described the events as “super twisted.”

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