Free Speech or Aiding and Abetting
The tenuous relationship between government and social media is once again on full display, this time in France as Pavel Durov, CEO of the app Telegram, was arrested (but not yet charged) on suspicion the company is engaged in illegal activity (including trafficking, fraud, illegal material involving minors, and abetting organized crime). Under French law, Durov must be either formally charged or released after four days in custody. Elon Musk, owner of X, is publicly defending Durov, posting “#FreePavel” on the X platform.
This story comes as Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (Facebook) is speaking out about past pressure the platform received from the U.S. government to censor content—including stories about Covid-19 and Hunter Biden.
Analysis and eternal perspective: The relationship between government and social media companies has long been icy. Generally speaking, governments desire access to the information held by social media companies—sometimes for law enforcement reasons, other times to control or influence public perception on an issue. Social media companies generally (though not universally) are hesitant to share information with governments and must balance privacy laws and concerns with law enforcement requirements.
As Jesus followers, this is an area for exercising great caution. We often remind ourselves both that we were created to be free (Gal. 5:1) and that our freedom is to be used in service to others (Gal. 5:13-15). This story is a reminder that foundational human freedoms are fragile and must be carefully guarded. But in doing so, let us take seriously the direct admonition from scripture: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (Gal. 5:15).
Freedom reflects the character of our God and Creator. But how we use that freedom—a freedom for which we are designed—determines whether we glorify our God or are devoured by each other. Let’s together as The Equipped defend principles of freedom while remaining intensely committed to serving one another humbly in love.
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.