'Orwellian' Macron Criticized by 'Black Swan' Author
Nassim Taleb suggests that the remarks made by the French president regarding the arrest of the Telegram founder should be understood “in reverse.” Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Nassim Taleb, the economist and author of 'Black Swan,' has suggested that French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments regarding the arrest of Telegram's founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, should be understood as the opposite of their literal meaning.
On Monday, Macron shared a message on X, asserting that Durov's detention was “in no way a political decision” and was part of a continuing “judicial investigation.” He emphasized France's commitment to “freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship.”
However, Macron also stated that “in a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework” and that “it is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law.”
In response to the president's remarks, Taleb suggested that “every word he wrote must be interpreted in reverse,” deeming Macron’s statement as “Orwellian.”
“Expecting a Hegelian state to safeguard liberty is akin to trusting a bordello owner to promote chastity,” he added.
The outrage over Durov’s arrest has resonated with others as well, including billionaire Elon Musk, American journalist Tucker Carlson, and Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, all of whom have characterized the action as an outright assault on free speech.
Kim Dotcom, the founder of Megaupload, has called for a complete boycott of all things related to France, urging people to refrain from purchasing French products or traveling to the country until Durov is released.
Durov, who holds citizenship in Russia, France, the UAE, and St Kitts and Nevis, was detained at a Paris airport on Saturday after arriving via private jet from Azerbaijan. French prosecutors have indicated that his arrest is part of a wider investigation into child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud, and other alleged crimes occurring on Telegram.
Reports suggest that Durov is being scrutinized for allegedly failing to cooperate with law enforcement and for not adequately moderating the platform.
In response to these allegations, Telegram has asserted that it has adhered to all EU regulations, including the Digital Rights Act and sanctions against Russia. The company has labeled the notion that it or its owner should be held accountable for the app's misuse by malicious actors as “absurd.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Monday, Macron shared a message on X, asserting that Durov's detention was “in no way a political decision” and was part of a continuing “judicial investigation.” He emphasized France's commitment to “freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship.”
However, Macron also stated that “in a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework” and that “it is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law.”
In response to the president's remarks, Taleb suggested that “every word he wrote must be interpreted in reverse,” deeming Macron’s statement as “Orwellian.”
“Expecting a Hegelian state to safeguard liberty is akin to trusting a bordello owner to promote chastity,” he added.
The outrage over Durov’s arrest has resonated with others as well, including billionaire Elon Musk, American journalist Tucker Carlson, and Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, all of whom have characterized the action as an outright assault on free speech.
Kim Dotcom, the founder of Megaupload, has called for a complete boycott of all things related to France, urging people to refrain from purchasing French products or traveling to the country until Durov is released.
Durov, who holds citizenship in Russia, France, the UAE, and St Kitts and Nevis, was detained at a Paris airport on Saturday after arriving via private jet from Azerbaijan. French prosecutors have indicated that his arrest is part of a wider investigation into child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud, and other alleged crimes occurring on Telegram.
Reports suggest that Durov is being scrutinized for allegedly failing to cooperate with law enforcement and for not adequately moderating the platform.
In response to these allegations, Telegram has asserted that it has adhered to all EU regulations, including the Digital Rights Act and sanctions against Russia. The company has labeled the notion that it or its owner should be held accountable for the app's misuse by malicious actors as “absurd.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
