Telegram founder Pavel Durov published a statement expressing concern about the future of the free internet and the increasing digital control, reports Zakon.kz.
According to the entrepreneur, he does not want to celebrate his birthday because, as he believes, the current generation has less and less time to defend digital freedoms.
"What was once the promise of free information exchange is turning into the main tool of control," Durov stated. He expressed the opinion that a number of countries are introducing measures that limit user privacy and freedom on the internet. He cited examples such as digital identity cards, online age verification, and initiatives to monitor personal messages.
"A dark, dystopian world is rapidly approaching – while we sleep. Our generation risks going down in history as the last one that had freedoms and allowed them to be taken away," wrote the founder of Telegram. Durov also stated that modern society is being imposed a rejection of values such as the right to privacy, freedom of speech, sovereignty, and free markets.
"So no, I will not celebrate today. My time is running out. Our time is running out," the entrepreneur emphasized.
The publication sparked active discussion on social media and among users of the messenger.
