What do you do if Russia decides that your encrypted messaging app is a danger to its, um, democracy and blocks it?
Scream to the high heavens, perhaps? Or merely rip off your clothes and stare menacingly?
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov seems to have decided on the political artistry of the latter.
He took his shirt off to reveal a singular buffness, and displayed it for all to see on Instagram.
The caption read: "My favorite movie is '300'. The story about 300 Spartans fighting to protect the freedom of their compatriots will inspire people thousands of years from now."
Naturally, this is a reference to Russia and its very particular definition of freedom, one that some say embraces trying to freely use technology to interfere in free elections all over the world.
Should you be unfamiliar with the PutinShirtlessChallenge, this was originally created by Durov -- who founded the Russian version of Facebook, VKontatke, as well as Telegram -- in order to tweak the Russian president's own toplessphotos.
I feel sure that aesthetes everywhere would compare Durov's physique favorably in a side-to-side with Putin's.
Durov didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Of course, the tussle over encryption isn't confined to Russia. In his new book "A Higher Loyalty," former FBI Director James Comey expresses his distaste for Apple's insistence on it.
I fancy the fight has only just begun. Will Putin now strike back? With a new topless photo, that is?
