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Telegram CEO Proposes Crypto-Like Tech to Block Govt Spying

Telegram CEO Proposes Crypto-Like Tech to Block Govt Spying

DailyCoinDailyCoin2024/04/17 22:31
By:DailyCoin
  • Telegram CEO Durov suggests crypto-like tech for privacy.
  • Messaging apps would work similarly to crypto wallets. 
  • Government surveillance is back in the spotlight on the new NSA proposal. 

In an era where digital privacy is increasingly threatened by government surveillance, privacy-protecting technologies are crucial for maintaining individual freedoms. Known for its strong stance on user privacy, the Telegram messaging app has gained a following of people who care about privacy. 

Its CEO, Pavel Durov, recently shared stories about his own run-ins with the FBI and Russian authorities, which made him more aware of this issue. He also proposed a new way to combat government surveillance using blockchain technology

Crypto-Like Technology for Enhanced Privacy

On Wednesday, April 17, during an interview with Tucker Carlson , Pavel Durov discussed how the landscape of government surveillance is becoming increasingly invasive. Notably, he shared how the FBI attempted to recruit one of Telegram’s developers. 

Sponsored

According to Durov, the FBI wanted the developer to create a backdoor into the messaging service during his visit to the United States. He said this happened after he fled Russia, the country he was born in, due to similar pressure from Russian authorities.  

Ep. 94 The social media app Telegram has over 900 million users around the world. Its founder Pavel Durov sat down with us at his offices in Dubai for his first on-camera interview in almost a decade. pic.twitter.com/NEb3KzWOg8

— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) April 16, 2024

These experiences made him more concerned with governments using technology to monitor and control private communications. To combat this, Durov proposed the development of secure communication devices that resemble the mechanisms of cryptocurrency hardware wallets. These devices would utilize encryption and decentralized storage methods to safeguard user data from unauthorized access.

US Plans to Expand Government Surveillance

Durov’s remarks come when the US government cements its surveillance efforts. Most recently, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden voiced concerns about an impending expansion of the agency’s surveillance powers, which he suggests could be days away. 

The NSA is just 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 from taking over the internet, and it's not on the front page of any newspaper–because no one has noticed. https://t.co/qp5BimwOjI

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) April 15, 2024

This expansion is purportedly linked to changes in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically through an amendment that could greatly widen the definition of “electronic communications surveillance provider.” 

The 4th Amendment is crystal clear – if the government wants to search or snoop on American citizens, it needs to get a warrant.

FISA should not be an exception.

— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) April 16, 2024

As Senator Cynthia Lummis warned , this change would compel nearly every entity involved in internet-related services to assist in NSA surveillance operations, even without a formal warrant. 

If these rules come into effect, only encrypted services would be safe, which makes decentralized and privacy-focused alternatives more important than ever. 

On the Flipside

  • Privacy-protecting technologies are under scrutiny by authorities worldwide due to their potential misuse by bad actors. This was demonstrated in the recent controversy with Railgun , over its alleged use by North Korean hackers. 
  • The Russian government is also stepping up its surveillance efforts in response to protests against the war in Ukraine. Reports suggest the use of facial recognition technology to come after protestors.  

Why This Matters

Privacy-focused technologies, potentially based on blockchain technology, can make a difference between private communications and complete surveillance. For privacy-conscious individuals, these technologies are essential. 

Read more about a recent exploit targeting Telegram: 
Telegram Suffers Security Exploit: Are You at Risk?

Read more about the privacy protocol Railgun under scrutiny: 
Did North Korean Hackers Use Railgun? Protocol Fervently Denies

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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