SET ALEX FREE
Blockchain developer Alex Pertsev was arrested by the Dutch police in Amsterdam on August 10 and being accused of creating open-source code that was developed for the Tornado Cash project and was misused for illegal activities by a 3d party, but a developer has no control whatsoever over how their open-source code is subsequently used.
Therefore, the accusations against Alex threaten to kill the entire open-source software segment. No one will dare to write and publish open-source code, no one will invest in the segment if they could be made responsible for the use of the tool they created by other parties.
Who is Alex Pertsev?
Alexey is a programmer and a professional in the field of information security living in the Netherlands. An active participant in the crypto community. Information security’s primary focus is the balanced protection of the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and for him it’s not just words. And as one of the areas of his activity, he was engaged in audits of smart contracts and security issues of the blockchain network.
Why it’s important?
In our opinion, Alex’s arrest creates a dangerous precedent which could lead to other developers of open source software being prosecuted in case of misuse of these codes.
The developer has no control over open source code usage. Just as the manufacturer of kitchen knives is not responsible for domestic murders. The Tornado Cash team has developed a mixing service, but does not manage it — an open source application can be installed and run by any user.
How can I help?
Community feedback
bloXmove harry
@HBloxmove
I stay out of politics. But arresting someone for writing open source code which enhances privacy is a step towards though control #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev” - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/SLDTNTwW via @ChangeGER
Petr Korolev
@skywinder
- Website from Alex's support team: https://setalexfree.nl - Gitcoin grant to support the movement https://gitcoin.co/grants/7113/stand-up-for-privacy-free-speech-and-open-source-s… #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev #FreeAlex
bill0x2a.lens
@billsmiff98
Open-source devs should never be be prosecuted simply for the potential misuse of their code, and it won't stop here. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
n4n0
@n4n084191635
Oh hey look, this sounds like a perfectly fine and legal usecase for @TornadoCash: not getting mugged. Wow. #FreeAlex #FreePertsev #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime https://setalexfree.nl
𝒜𝓇𝒾𝓈
@ArisvdZ
Just signed this petition to #FreeAlekseyPertsev. What is really disturbing in this story is that there is no clear charges by the @FIOD #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/Rx84qwd8 через @Change
Marc Jansen
@jansen_marc
Guys, this is really important! „Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev” - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/q7QqKBVt via @ChangeGER
Paolo ∞ | see you @ Blockchain Week Berlin
@pinoweb3
I signed If you are in Amsterdam the 20th there will be a protest in Dam Square #TornadoCash #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
Jelly
@0xJelly
Open-source developers should not be jailed for building a public good. If you agree, sign this petition for Aleksey Pertsev! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/jK48SbB2 via @UKChange
Klaudy.eth
@KristinaKlaudy1
Open-source developer was arrested for writting a code (not even executing it) for Tornadocash. Writting shouldn't be elegal! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/cMY7pKVY @Change
TS. Liv
@livpasquarelli
A developer has been arrested for writing open-source code. At the base level, someone has been incriminated for writing and publishing. This is a threat to all of us. #FreeAlex #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/vmFMBv7c via @Change
Yezz123
@THyasser1
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/rWQ4VPP4 via @Change
art_alternator
@AAlternator
I think, this is really important. Open-source development is in danger. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition!
stango.eth0085.starkstango.lens
@S3rumTruth
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/WwxFXwYT via @Change
Petr Korolev
@skywinder
- Сайт от близких Алекса: https://setalexfree.nl - Gitcoin грант для поддержки движения https://gitcoin.co/grants/7113/stand-up-for-privacy-free-speech-and-open-source-s… #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev #FreeAlex
rdm41.eth |
@RDM_41
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/LtNLJsnP via @Change
Ethereum Fear and Greed Index
@EthereumFear
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
BRNXNC
@brnxnc
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - ¡Firma la petición! https://chng.it/B2fwyJSH vía @ChangeorgLatino
TheBlackWolfPack
@TheBlackWolfPa1
Weit haben wir es gebracht... jetzt sperrt man schon Leute dafür ein was Andere mit einem Stück quelloffener Software tun! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/w4XMYq55 via @Change
Игорь Престолов
@nepsse
Теперь сажают за открытый код, который использовали третьи лица. Свобода и демократия от США и Голландии. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/4bfVMWNR через @Change
lexmartin.eth
@lexmartin101
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/kC4466mG via @Change
bloXmove harry
@HBloxmove
I stay out of politics. But arresting someone for writing open source code which enhances privacy is a step towards though control #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev” - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/SLDTNTwW via @ChangeGER
Petr Korolev
@skywinder
- Website from Alex's support team: https://setalexfree.nl - Gitcoin grant to support the movement https://gitcoin.co/grants/7113/stand-up-for-privacy-free-speech-and-open-source-s… #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev #FreeAlex
bill0x2a.lens
@billsmiff98
Open-source devs should never be be prosecuted simply for the potential misuse of their code, and it won't stop here. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
n4n0
@n4n084191635
Oh hey look, this sounds like a perfectly fine and legal usecase for @TornadoCash: not getting mugged. Wow. #FreeAlex #FreePertsev #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime https://setalexfree.nl
𝒜𝓇𝒾𝓈
@ArisvdZ
Just signed this petition to #FreeAlekseyPertsev. What is really disturbing in this story is that there is no clear charges by the @FIOD #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/Rx84qwd8 через @Change
Marc Jansen
@jansen_marc
Guys, this is really important! „Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev” - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/q7QqKBVt via @ChangeGER
Paolo ∞ | see you @ Blockchain Week Berlin
@pinoweb3
I signed If you are in Amsterdam the 20th there will be a protest in Dam Square #TornadoCash #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
Jelly
@0xJelly
Open-source developers should not be jailed for building a public good. If you agree, sign this petition for Aleksey Pertsev! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/jK48SbB2 via @UKChange
Klaudy.eth
@KristinaKlaudy1
Open-source developer was arrested for writting a code (not even executing it) for Tornadocash. Writting shouldn't be elegal! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/cMY7pKVY @Change
TS. Liv
@livpasquarelli
A developer has been arrested for writing open-source code. At the base level, someone has been incriminated for writing and publishing. This is a threat to all of us. #FreeAlex #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/vmFMBv7c via @Change
Yezz123
@THyasser1
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/rWQ4VPP4 via @Change
art_alternator
@AAlternator
I think, this is really important. Open-source development is in danger. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition!
stango.eth0085.starkstango.lens
@S3rumTruth
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/WwxFXwYT via @Change
Petr Korolev
@skywinder
- Сайт от близких Алекса: https://setalexfree.nl - Gitcoin грант для поддержки движения https://gitcoin.co/grants/7113/stand-up-for-privacy-free-speech-and-open-source-s… #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev #FreeAlex
rdm41.eth |
@RDM_41
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/LtNLJsnP via @Change
Ethereum Fear and Greed Index
@EthereumFear
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
BRNXNC
@brnxnc
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - ¡Firma la petición! https://chng.it/B2fwyJSH vía @ChangeorgLatino
TheBlackWolfPack
@TheBlackWolfPa1
Weit haben wir es gebracht... jetzt sperrt man schon Leute dafür ein was Andere mit einem Stück quelloffener Software tun! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/w4XMYq55 via @Change
Игорь Престолов
@nepsse
Теперь сажают за открытый код, который использовали третьи лица. Свобода и демократия от США и Голландии. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/4bfVMWNR через @Change
lexmartin.eth
@lexmartin101
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/kC4466mG via @Change
bloXmove harry
@HBloxmove
I stay out of politics. But arresting someone for writing open source code which enhances privacy is a step towards though control #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev” - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/SLDTNTwW via @ChangeGER
Petr Korolev
@skywinder
- Website from Alex's support team: https://setalexfree.nl - Gitcoin grant to support the movement https://gitcoin.co/grants/7113/stand-up-for-privacy-free-speech-and-open-source-s… #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev #FreeAlex
bill0x2a.lens
@billsmiff98
Open-source devs should never be be prosecuted simply for the potential misuse of their code, and it won't stop here. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
n4n0
@n4n084191635
Oh hey look, this sounds like a perfectly fine and legal usecase for @TornadoCash: not getting mugged. Wow. #FreeAlex #FreePertsev #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime https://setalexfree.nl
𝒜𝓇𝒾𝓈
@ArisvdZ
Just signed this petition to #FreeAlekseyPertsev. What is really disturbing in this story is that there is no clear charges by the @FIOD #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/Rx84qwd8 через @Change
Marc Jansen
@jansen_marc
Guys, this is really important! „Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev” - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/q7QqKBVt via @ChangeGER
Paolo ∞ | see you @ Blockchain Week Berlin
@pinoweb3
I signed If you are in Amsterdam the 20th there will be a protest in Dam Square #TornadoCash #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
Jelly
@0xJelly
Open-source developers should not be jailed for building a public good. If you agree, sign this petition for Aleksey Pertsev! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/jK48SbB2 via @UKChange
Klaudy.eth
@KristinaKlaudy1
Open-source developer was arrested for writting a code (not even executing it) for Tornadocash. Writting shouldn't be elegal! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/cMY7pKVY @Change
TS. Liv
@livpasquarelli
A developer has been arrested for writing open-source code. At the base level, someone has been incriminated for writing and publishing. This is a threat to all of us. #FreeAlex #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/vmFMBv7c via @Change
Yezz123
@THyasser1
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/rWQ4VPP4 via @Change
art_alternator
@AAlternator
I think, this is really important. Open-source development is in danger. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition!
stango.eth0085.starkstango.lens
@S3rumTruth
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/WwxFXwYT via @Change
Petr Korolev
@skywinder
- Сайт от близких Алекса: https://setalexfree.nl - Gitcoin грант для поддержки движения https://gitcoin.co/grants/7113/stand-up-for-privacy-free-speech-and-open-source-s… #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev #FreeAlex
rdm41.eth |
@RDM_41
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/LtNLJsnP via @Change
Ethereum Fear and Greed Index
@EthereumFear
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev
BRNXNC
@brnxnc
#OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - ¡Firma la petición! https://chng.it/B2fwyJSH vía @ChangeorgLatino
TheBlackWolfPack
@TheBlackWolfPa1
Weit haben wir es gebracht... jetzt sperrt man schon Leute dafür ein was Andere mit einem Stück quelloffener Software tun! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Jetzt unterschreiben! https://chng.it/w4XMYq55 via @Change
Игорь Престолов
@nepsse
Теперь сажают за открытый код, который использовали третьи лица. Свобода и демократия от США и Голландии. #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/4bfVMWNR через @Change
lexmartin.eth
@lexmartin101
Open-source development is in danger. Take action before it’s too late! #OpenSourceNotACrime #PrivacyNotACrime #FreeAlex #freepertsev #FreeAlekseyPertsev - Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/kC4466mG via @Change
FAQ
What is Tornado Cash?
Tornado Cash is an open-source decentralized protocol, and it anonimization service for cryptocurrencies on the Ethereum blockchain. The service makes it possible to conceal the origin or destination of crypto transactions for privacy considerations. Tornado Cash receives various transactions and mixes them together before transmitting them to their individual recipients.
Tornado’s purpose is to bring privacy to the blockchain.Why privacy payments are essential?
All information about transactions in the blockchain network is available to any user. Imagine if everyone could look into any bank account in the world and see all bank transfers. How much does your neighbor earn? Or a work colleague. People prefer not to disclose personal data and especially how much money they keep in bank accounts. The business is not ready to share information on what amounts of transactions are concluded. Also, for personal or socio-political reasons, it may be essential to remain anonymous if you want to send a donation. For example, the co-founders of Ethereum Vitaly Buterin used Tornado Cash for donations for the needs of Ukraine. But in the blockchain network, all this is impossible, every payment can be tracked. Therefore, Tornado Cash was developed for ensures the privacy of transactions.
What charges were brought against Alex?
No charges were brought against him. He’s imprisoned on suspicion, not on charges. He can be held under arrest for up to 110 days in total without charge.
What is exactly Alex accused of?
FIOD claims that Alex is suspected of "involvement in concealing criminal financial flows and facilitating money laundering through the mixing of cryptocurrencies through the decentralized Ethereum mixing service Tornado Cash."
What is open-source software?
Open-source software is computer software that is open to use by anyone and for any purpose. As opposed to "proprietary" or "closed-source", creators of open-source software deliberately make it available to others who would like to view that code, copy it, learn from it, alter it or distribute it.