Cyber Attacks Target French Government Websites Amid Controversial Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov
In a swift and coordinated response to the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, several official websites of the French government have come under heavy cyber attack. The arrest, which has sparked international outrage, has now escalated into a digital conflict, with hackers targeting critical government platforms. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing controversy surrounding Durov’s detention.
Widespread Outage: Government Sites Taken Down
Reports from local media, including Le Parisien, confirm that at least two major government websites have been forced offline due to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Among the affected sites is the official portal that archives current laws and regulations, as well as the platform for the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM). The attacks appear to be a direct act of retaliation for Durov’s detention, which many see as politically motivated.
A Politically Charged Arrest Sparks Global Backlash
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, is currently facing a dozen charges in France, with his detention potentially extending up to 96 hours. The arrest has been met with widespread condemnation, particularly from Russian officials who have been denied access to Durov. French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to quell the growing unrest by stating that the arrest was purely a matter of judicial investigation, leaving the outcome in the hands of the legal authorities.
However, the arrest has ignited a global backlash, with prominent figures such as Elon Musk voicing their support for Durov. Musk, known for his staunch advocacy for freedom of expression, expressed concern over the implications of the arrest, drawing parallels to his own experiences with government censorship. The incident has also raised questions about the broader implications for digital rights and the potential for further crackdowns on tech leaders who resist censorship.
Cryptocurrency Markets React: Toncoin and Others Under Pressure
As the situation unfolds, the financial markets are feeling the impact, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector. Toncoin (TON), a cryptocurrency associated with Telegram, has seen a significant decline, with its value dropping by 4.76% in the past 24 hours to $5.525.
Other related tokens, such as Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, are also experiencing downward pressure, with NOT falling by 9.3% to $0.008727. If the current trends continue, there is a risk that Notcoin could see further declines, potentially dropping back to $0.005 in the near term.
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