The recent arrest of Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, has sparked widespread debate about the growing influence of governments over digital platforms and the potential risks to free speech.

As governments increasingly crack down on major tech figures, questions arise about the future of these platforms and the liberties they offer.

Roundtable anchor, Rob Nelson, was joined by Jon Najarian, founder of Market Rebellion, David Packham, CEO of Chintai, and David Gokhshtein, CEO of Gokhshtein Media, to explore the deeper meaning behind this arrest and its impact on free speech and financial systems.

Rob Nelson expressed his alarm at Durov’s arrest, remarking, "The real story to me is Pavel Durov’s arrest... governments going after people for having platforms with millions and millions of users." He emphasized the growing risk of governments targeting individuals behind large platforms.

Jon Najarian shared his concerns, noting, "Free speech, I think most of us in crypto really embrace... they were trying to take him down for just providing a platform." He added that Durov’s case could set a worrying precedent for those who support open communication in the crypto space.

As the Associated Press reported, Durov faced initial charges for ‘’complicity in managing an online platform to allow illicit transactions by an organized group,’' an offense that can lead to sentences of up to 10 years in prison and a 500,000 euro fine.

David Packham compared Durov’s situation to other tech figures facing legal pressure, stating, "The arrest of Durov is about sending a message... the intention is to cross them off one at a time." He warned that governments are increasingly seeking to control narratives by targeting platforms they can't easily regulate.

David Gokhshtein highlighted the contrast in how banks are treated in similar situations, saying, "The banks get a slap on the wrist... nobody gets arrested, nothing happens." He underscored the importance of decentralized systems like bitcoin, stressing, "The minute freedom of speech is taken away from us, it is over."

To be fair, Packham highlighted that banks often are also litigated for money laundering, noting a penalty of nearly $2 billion at HSBC to settle international transgressions.