Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has warned that the world is moving toward a “dark, dystopian” future as governments around the globe tighten restrictions on privacy.
He said that many nations once known for their freedoms are now adopting increasingly authoritarian digital measures. Durov pointed to the European Union’s Chat Control proposal, the UK’s rollout of digital IDs, and new Australian regulations that require age verification to access social media.
He also noted that Germany is prosecuting people for criticizing officials online, the UK is jailing individuals over social media posts, and France is targeting tech leaders who defend privacy and freedom of expression.
Durov cautioned that society is heading toward a future where basic liberties are disappearing, warning that this generation could be remembered as the last to experience true freedom, and the one that let it slip away.
Germany’s Opposition Deals Major Setback to EU’s Controversial Chat Control Law
EU lawmakers were preparing to vote next week on the proposed Chat Control law, which has faced strong criticism for threatening encrypted communication and users’ privacy. The proposal would require messaging services like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal to let regulators scan messages before they are encrypted and sent.
The legislation has now suffered a major setback after the leader of Germany’s largest political party announced opposition to it. With Germany controlling 97 seats in the European Parliament, the country’s stance is seen as crucial in determining the law’s fate.
Signal president Meredith Whittaker welcomed Germany’s opposition but cautioned that the fight isn’t over. She noted that the proposal now heads to the European Council, where its future remains uncertain.
UK Government Pushes Digital ID Plan Amid Privacy Concerns
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a digital ID initiative in September that would require citizens to verify their right to live and work in the country.
The government says the scheme aims to tackle illegal employment while speeding up identity verification for access to public services such as licenses, childcare, welfare, and tax.
However, critics warn the plan could pose serious privacy risks, as it involves collecting and storing personal data on a government-run app — raising fears of potential misuse and surveillance.
