TON Soars 20% as Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Regains Travel Freedom
The price of Telegram Open Network (TON) surged 20% in 24 hours, topping $3.45 amid breaking news about its founder. Pavel Durov, Telegram’s reclusive CEO, reclaimed his passport from French authorities this week, ending months of restricted movement. While details remain sparse, the resolution has electrified TON investors and free speech advocates.
Speculation swirls around how Durov’s regained freedom impacts Telegram’s blockchain ambitions. Following this, TON’s market cap vaulted to $8.14 billion, signalling renewed confidence. Below, we unpack the players, stakes, and why this legal twist matters.
Key Players: Durov, French Authorities, and the TON Foundation
Pavel Durov, Telegram’s 39-year-old founder, has long championed privacy-first tech. His platform now serves nearly 1 billion users globally. French officials had confiscated his passport in August 2024 during a probe into Telegram’s content moderation policies.
The TON Foundation, stewards of Telegram’s blockchain project, publicly backed Durov during the ordeal. They called his passport return “a victory for decentralised values.” Meanwhile, French prosecutors initially linked Durov to alleged platform misuse but released him on €5 million bail.
Why Did TON’s Price Jump 20%?
Market analysts cite three drivers for TON’s rally. First, Durov’s travel freedom eased fears about leadership instability. “His mobility restores faith in Telegram’s roadmap,” said crypto trader Lena Marquez. Second, the TON Foundation tied the win to broader privacy battles, urging supporters.
Third, technical upgrades to Telegram’s Wallet app, multi-asset support, yield features coincided with the news. Combined, these factors ignited bullish sentiment. However, some warn the surge could be fleeting. “Crypto markets overreact to headlines,” cautioned analyst Raj Patel.
French authorities detained Durov in August 2024, alleging Telegram enabled crimes like fraud and child exploitation. They criticised its encrypted channels and lax moderation. Durov spent four days in custody before posting bail.
For months, he faced strict supervision: twice-weekly police check-ins and a travel ban. His passport seizure drew outcry from digital rights groups. “Holding CEOs liable for user actions sets a dangerous precedent,” argued EFF spokesperson Tara Wu.
A Shift in Telegram’s Privacy Strategy
In September 2024, Durov announced policy tweaks to appease regulators. Telegram now shares IP addresses and phone numbers of suspected criminals with authorities, a stark shift for the anti-surveillance platform.
Yet Durov denies compromising user privacy. “We remove harmful content daily,” he asserted on his Telegram channel. The changes sparked debate: critics called it capitulation; supporters deemed it pragmatic. Either way, the moves likely aided his legal negotiations.
What’s Next for TON and Telegram?
With Durov’s passport returned, eyes turn to Telegram’s next steps. The TON Foundation hints at “accelerated development,” possibly integrating blockchain deeper into messaging. Meanwhile, France’s case against Durov remains open, though its urgency may fade.
Investors now weigh regulatory risks against TON’s growth potential. Can Telegram balance privacy and compliance? Will Durov’s strategies satisfy both crypto purists and governments? For now, the market bets “yes.”
