Telegram is not a fully safe or anonymous communications app, but its easy-to-use privacy features have attracted whistleblowers and dissidents from around the world – along with criminals, traffickers, and terrorists. After the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, many freedom fighters who use the app are now especially concerned about Telegram’s lack of open-source security or default end-to-end encryption, and how the company might respond when its billionaire leader is threatened by powerful governments who demand access to its keys. Attorney Viva Frei asks: could Telegram be used as a cudgel in the war against other encrypted apps? And why do officials keep mentioning that Thomas Crooks, the attempted Trump assassin, was using unnamed encrypted apps from Belgium, Germany, New Zealand? David Freiheit AKA Viva Frei is an attorney and host of “Viva Frei” on Rumble and Locals. He also cohosts the legal podcast “Viva and Barnes Live” at https://VivaBarnes.Locals.com. Follow Viva Frei at https://x.com/thevivafrei and https://vivafrei.com/ 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at https://drdrew.com/sponsors • FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at https://drdrew.com/fatty15 • CAPSADYN - Get pain relief with the power of capsaicin from chili peppers – without the burning! Capsadyn's proprietary formulation for joint & muscle pain contains no NSAIDs, opioids, anesthetics, or steroids. Try it for 15% off at https://drdrew.com/capsadyn • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at https://drdrew.com/paleovalley • TRU NIAGEN - For almost a decade, Dr. Drew has been taking a healthy-aging supplement called Tru Niagen, which uses a patented form of Nicotinamide Riboside to boost NAD levels. Use code DREW for 20% off at https://drdrew.com/truniagen • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at https://twc.health/drew 「 MEDICAL NOTE 」 Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on important medical issues. Always consult your physician before making any decisions about your health. 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation (https://kalebnation.com) and Susan Pinsky (https://twitter.com/firstladyoflove). This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.