Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has issued a stark warning about growing government surveillance and censorship, saying the world is “running out of time to save the free internet.” His comments come as the EU, UK, and Australia push for measures that critics say threaten online privacy and digital freedom.
Durov Sounds the Alarm on Global Privacy Erosion
In a post on X, Durov said he couldn’t celebrate turning 41 because “our generation is running out of time to save the free internet built for us by our fathers.” He cited the EU’s controversial Chat Control law, the UK’s proposed digital ID system, and Australia’s online age verification rules as signs of a “dark, dystopian world” approaching fast.
“What was once the promise of free exchange of information is being turned into the ultimate tool of control,” he warned, pointing to examples of censorship and criminal prosecution in countries like Germany, France, and the UK.
Chat Control Faces Opposition in the EU
The EU’s Chat Control proposal has sparked backlash for undermining end-to-end encryption on platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal. The law would require companies to screen private messages for illegal content before encryption, a move privacy advocates say violates basic rights.
Germany’s largest political party has opposed the proposal, dealing it a serious setback. Signal president Meredith Whittaker called the opposition “a relief,” but cautioned that “the war is not over” as the debate shifts to the European Council. She warned that introducing message scanning would open “dangerous backdoors” that hackers and hostile nations could exploit.
UK’s Digital ID Plan Sparks Privacy Concerns
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposed digital ID program would require citizens to prove their right to live and work in the country through a government-managed app. While officials claim it would streamline access to public services and reduce illegal employment, critics fear mass data collection and potential misuse. Over 2.8 million people have already signed a petition opposing the plan.
Australia’s Age Verification System Raises Red Flags
Australia plans to ban users under 16 from social media starting December 10, using digital age verification to enforce the rule. Lawmakers argue it protects minors from online harm, but privacy advocates warn it could lead to government overreach and unsafe data storage practices—echoing concerns raised in the UK and EU.
The Fight to Preserve Online Freedom
Privacy and encryption remain core principles of the crypto and blockchain community, with Bitcoin itself designed to enable pseudonymous, censorship-resistant transactions. As governments push for more control over the digital space, voices like Durov’s highlight a growing global battle between security, privacy, and freedom.
