On March 15, the TON Foundation confirmed that Pavel Durov retrieved his passport from the French authorities, allowing him to leave the country after months of legal proceedings.
Durov's Legal Troubles in France
Durov's legal issues began in August 2024 when he was arrested in France over accusations that Telegram failed to curb illegal activities on its platform. This case sparked a global debate over digital privacy and free speech. French authorities accused him of failing to implement security measures against fraud and illegal transactions. Durov secured his release but remained in France pending legal procedures, which led Telegram to adapt its moderation policies.
Impact on Telegram and TON Foundation
Telegram updated its policy to require users to use the 'report' button for flagging violations. The TON Foundation emphasized its commitment to safe communication, stating that blockchain remains a tool for digital freedom despite controversies.
Toncoin's Future and Community Reaction
Following the news of Durov's departure, the TON community reacted positively, with Toncoin's price rising to $3.58. Although the token's value remains lower than a month ago, the increased activity on the blockchain suggests a potential revival. However, the long-term trajectory of Toncoin remains uncertain. Bitwise Invest founder, Junai Dar, expressed skepticism about TON reclaiming its dominance in Web3.
Pavel Durov's release is a significant moment for Telegram and TON. While TON's future remains uncertain, the positive investor response might signal a new phase for the blockchain.
