If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. - George Washington

French authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of Pavel Durov, the Russian born billionaire co-founder of the communication app Telegram. This app allows individuals to send messages in a highly encrypted and private manner, and blocks governmental bodies from accessing this information. With the escalating attempts of governments around the world to limit freedom of speech, this is yet another public demonstration of those governments seeking to destroy the ability of private citizens to communicate without interference and surveillance. Durov was arrested on August 24 2024 at Le Bourget airport outside of Paris, after he landed on his private jet. The arrest followed the warrant that accused Durov of complicity related to serious crimes facilitated through his app including drug traffiking, crimes against children, and fraud. Today we will be exploring concepts surrounding this arrest, what has recently been disclosed as facilitation and manipulation of repressed information on social media, and similar past arrests that have occurred with frightening outcomes for the continued battle for free speech.