Joe Rogan Slams Arrest of Telegram CEO, Raises Free Speech Concerns: “Should We Arrest Google Too?”
In a fiery and thought-provoking episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan took aim at the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities. Known for pushing boundaries and questioning the status quo, Rogan didn’t hold back in challenging what he sees as a troubling crackdown on free speech and digital platforms. Durov, a French and Emirati citizen, was detained at an airport near Paris over allegations that his messaging platform, Telegram, has been used for illegal activities like money laundering and drug trafficking.
Rogan, always a fierce advocate for individual freedoms, raised serious concerns about the selective targeting of certain tech platforms. “Should we arrest Google because Gmail is used for money laundering and drug sales?” Rogan asked rhetorically. His argument? If major platforms like Google can be used for nefarious purposes, why is Telegram being singled out?
This arrest isn’t just about one man—it’s about how governments worldwide are ramping up pressure on tech companies, and Rogan’s not buying it. He sees it as part of a broader issue: the erosion of free speech in the digital age. In Rogan’s view, when tech CEOs start getting arrested for what users do on their platforms, it’s a slippery slope. If Telegram can be targeted today, what’s stopping other platforms from facing similar attacks tomorrow?
Big Tech and Free Speech in the Crosshairs
Rogan wasn’t the only one raising eyebrows. His friend and frequent guest on the podcast, Elon Musk, chimed in on Twitter, taking issue with the arrest. Musk, no stranger to controversy himself, tweeted, “Yeah, this is super messed up!” and sarcastically remarked, “POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme.” Musk’s comments echoed Rogan’s skepticism, painting a dystopian picture of government overreach into digital spaces.
The arrest of Durov highlights the growing tension between tech companies and governments, particularly in Europe. While the allegations against Telegram involve serious crimes like drug trafficking, Rogan points out that these same issues exist on much larger platforms. The real question is: why is Telegram being singled out, and what does it mean for the future of free speech online?
The Real Reason Behind Durov’s Arrest?
Rogan brought in some expert insight from Baker, a former CIA agent and regular guest on his show. Baker suggested that Durov’s arrest was likely not just about the alleged illegal activities happening on Telegram. According to Baker, the real reason may lie in Telegram’s reputation for refusing to cooperate with law enforcement, especially in countries like France. “They’re not cooperating with criminal investigations, not releasing information or complying with requests from Europol or Interpol,” Baker explained.
This lack of cooperation could be what put Durov in the crosshairs of authorities. Telegram has long been known for its commitment to privacy, often frustrating governments seeking access to user data. Rogan and Baker both see this as a potential tipping point in the battle between privacy advocates and law enforcement.
Russia’s Reaction: Hypocrisy or Genuine Concern?
One of the most ironic twists in the story is Russia’s reaction to the arrest. Despite Durov being born in Russia and having a history of conflicts with the Russian government over similar issues, Moscow expressed outrage at his detention. Rogan couldn’t help but highlight the irony: “It’s all about free expression over there in Russia,” he quipped, referencing the country’s notorious crackdowns on dissent.
Russia, known for its harsh stance on free speech, especially since the war in Ukraine began, has arrested people for as little as holding a blank piece of paper in protest. Yet, the country appears to be siding with Durov now, a man who has previously stood up to the Kremlin. The irony isn’t lost on Rogan or his listeners, who see Russia’s outcry as a hypocritical attempt to position itself as a defender of free speech—something it has done little to protect at home.
Telegram’s Financial Woes
Amid the legal troubles, Telegram is also grappling with financial issues. Recent reports reveal that the popular messaging platform is not in the best financial health. According to The Financial Times, Telegram posted a loss of $108 million last year on revenues of $342 million. This revelation comes as Durov had reportedly been considering taking Telegram public with an ambitious initial public offering (IPO), aiming for a $30 billion valuation. However, the financial losses combined with the legal charges are casting doubt on the likelihood of such a valuation.
For Rogan, the financial woes of Telegram only add to the complexity of the situation. At a time when tech companies are under more scrutiny than ever, the platform’s struggles to remain profitable raise questions about the future of messaging apps that prioritize privacy over profit.
Conclusion
Joe Rogan’s defense of Pavel Durov and Telegram isn’t just about one man’s arrest—it’s about the broader issues of free speech, privacy, and government overreach. In Rogan’s view, if we start arresting tech CEOs for the actions of their users, we’re opening the door to a dangerous precedent. Telegram may have its flaws, but Rogan’s point is clear: the fight for free speech in the digital age is far from over, and it’s only going to get tougher.
