TechFlow News, October 15 — Michał Moneta, Chief Strategy Officer of Onchain Foundation, posted that relatively censorship-resistant or decentralized social media platforms are crucial for many countries. He cited the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in August 2024 as an example to emphasize the platform's significance for its 950 million active users.
Moneta stated that in developed countries like the United States or Germany, using Telegram might merely be a public statement of "no censorship allowed." However, in many parts of the world, Telegram or fully decentralized social networks are the only means of communication available to people, as messaging apps like Facebook and Instagram may be banned, and local platforms are subject to government censorship.
Moneta pointed out that if freedom of expression is considered a fundamental human right, the current trajectory of social media development is concerning. He predicted that if this trend continues, decentralized social networks will become more than just toys for tech enthusiasts—they will become essential tools for free, open, and efficient communication, particularly for people in underdeveloped regions. Such networks could become key instruments in safeguarding global freedom of expression, especially in countries and regions facing censorship and communication restrictions.
