1. Elon Musk and Support for Free Speech
2. FreeDurov Campaign Gains Momentum
3. Platforms Under Government Scrutiny

The arrest of billionaire Pavel Durov, co-founder of messaging app Telegram, has sparked an outcry over censorship and the rise of authoritarianism. Elon Musk, an advocate for free speech, agreed with American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy that the social media platform X could be next in line.

Elon Musk and Support for Free Speech

Pro-Bitcoin Republican Vivek Ramaswamy expressed concern over the arrest of Pavel Durov at an airport in Paris. He stated, 'It’s Telegram today. It’ll be X tomorrow.' Elon Musk agreed with this sentiment. Musk actively protests censorship, arguing that 'moderation is a propaganda word for censorship.' According to Musk, people use X because it values freedom of expression and privacy, defending the rights of its users according to its rules and policies.

FreeDurov Campaign Gains Momentum

The campaign in support of Durov continues to gain momentum among tech industry leaders and political figures. Among the notable personalities supporting Durov are X chairman Elon Musk and political figures, including RFK Jr. Durov’s arrest was connected to a French authorities’ investigation into his alleged involvement in facilitating criminal activities through his messaging platform. According to France’s President Emmanuel Macron, France is deeply committed to freedom of expression.

Platforms Under Government Scrutiny

Durov’s case has broader implications for platforms like X and Rumble. Governments are taking actions against companies and platforms based on various allegations. Venture capitalist David Sachs noted that government scrutiny could lead to the demise of platforms, with X and Rumble being next on the list. Additionally, the crypto industry faces even stricter scrutiny.

The arrest of Pavel Durov and the subsequent discussions have raised significant questions about government control, free speech, and the future of tech platforms. The public and industry leaders' reactions indicate that this topic will remain relevant for a long time.