Why Toncoin Soared 15% After Pavel Durov's Release

Toncoin (TON) experienced a remarkable nearly 15% increase over the weekend following the release of Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, by French authorities.

On March 15, the TON Foundation announced that Durov's passport had been returned, enabling him to leave the country. French media outlet Le Parisien later reported that he traveled to Dubai after enduring months of legal limitations.

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Frees Himself from Legal Constraints

Durov's legal issues began in August 2024, when he was arrested in France under allegations that Telegram had not effectively curtailed illegal activities on its platform. As his case drew international scrutiny, it sparked debates around digital privacy and free speech, with critics asserting that the charges amount to a move to control encrypted messaging services.

The French authorities accused Durov of inadequately implementing security measures to deter fraud and obstruct illegal transactions. If found guilty, he risked a decade-long prison sentence alongside hefty fines. Durov was able to secure his release by posting a significant bail amount; however, prior to his recent freedom, he was required to stay in France and follow legal protocols.

Amid this turbulence, Telegram undertook measures to refine its content moderation policies. The messaging app modified its FAQ section to adopt a stricter approach toward the reporting of illicit activities, shifting its stance from absolute privacy to encouraging users to use the 'report' function.

With Durov's departure from France, questions remain about the status of legal proceedings against him. As of now, there is uncertainty regarding whether the case has been dropped or if future actions will ensue.

In the wake of these events, the TON Foundation reiterated its dedication to secure communications, asserting that blockchain technology is a vital tool for safeguarding digital freedom.

“Our commitment to these fundamental principles remains steadfast. We firmly believe that blockchain is #freedom technology — an innovative tool capable of transforming how we protect personal rights — and we are proud to be part of an ecosystem that empowers individuals to communicate freely and securely,” the foundation stated.

Market Response to Toncoin's Surge

The news of Durov's release prompted a bullish trend within the TON community, with Toncoin's value rising to $3.58—a 15% jump over the weekend. Nonetheless, the token's value remains approximately 10% lower than it was a month prior.

However, issues like declining participation in Telegram mini-games and dwindling engagement in TON projects continue to affect the token's price performance.

While this surge indicates renewed investor optimism, the long-term outlook for Toncoin remains ambiguous. Junai Dar, founder of crypto investment firm Bitward Invest, pointed to record lows in activity on the TON blockchain, with some even declaring it “dead.”

“What if this is the spark for a TON revival? With Durov back in action, can we expect Toncoin to reclaim its position in the Web3 landscape?” Dar pondered.

Dar proposed that Durov's return to a more involved role might serve as a pivotal moment for Toncoin. Last year, the network witnessed a surge in adoption thanks to Telegram-based games like Hamster Kombat, which significantly boosted user engagement. Toncoin's trajectory will depend on Durov's influence and the community's response moving forward.