- Telegram‘s founder was detained in Paris on cybercrime allegations.
- The arrest ignited controversy over privacy rights and government overreach.
- Pavel Durov now pledges cooperation with authorities, boosting Toncoin‘s price.
Telegram’s rapid growth is largely due to its positioning as the go-to messaging app for free speech. However, this commitment was challenged last month when founder Pavel Durov was arrested in Paris on cybercrime charges, including non-cooperation with law enforcement. The arrest ignited a heated debate on digital freedoms and is viewed by some as another example of government overreach.
After Durov’s arrest, Toncoin, Telegram’s native cryptocurrency, dropped sharply due to uncertainty over the project’s future. However, nearly two weeks following the incident, Durov issued a public statement on the situation, triggering a rebound in Toncoin’s price.
Durov Commits to Telegram Cleanup
In his first public statement since his arrest, Durov shared his shock at being held personally liable for the illegal actions of Telegram users, stating that it is “misguided” to hold tech innovators personally responsible for users’ actions.
The founder also refuted claims of non-cooperation with authorities, emphasizing that Telegram has an official EU representative for handling law enforcement requests, as well as a dedicated hotline for terrorist threats.
Durov highlighted Telegram’s commitment to user privacy, citing the company’s decision to exit markets rather than compromise its principles. Notable examples include leaving Russia over encryption key demands and exiting Iran due to requests to block channels used by political protesters.
However, Durov acknowledged that criminals “abuse our platform,” which he blamed on the company’s rapid growth. He pledged to enhance safety measures on the platform.
Mixed Reactions to Durov
Durov’s vow to address illegal activity on Telegram sparked a mixed response. Some questioned whether Telegram could maintain its reputation as a champion of free speech after Durov’s apparent shift. For instance, X user Ant A expressed concerns that Durov “had to sellout in order to be freed.
Similarly, “db” drew attention to changes within Telegram’s policy, noting the removal of a statement regarding user privacy concerning authorities’ requests for information.
Despite worries about Telegram’s free speech policy, some users stayed optimistic. This optimism was reflected in Toncoin’s rebound, indicating market relief that the immediate crisis had passed.
Toncoin Rallies
The market response to Durov’s statement saw Toncoin hit a local bottom of $4.525 on Thursday before rebounding 9% to an intraday high of $4.910. The cryptocurrency ended the day slightly lower at $4.807.
On Friday, Toncoin retested the $4.910 resistance again but faced a pullback, finding support at $4.769. This price action occurred amid broader uncertainty in the crypto markets, influenced by macroeconomic factors.
On the Flipside
- Kim Dotcom inferred that Durov‘s arrest was a “Deep State” play to control Telegram.
- The incident raises questions about the long-term viability of truly decentralized and privacy-focused platforms.
- Telegram has not left the French market.
Why This Matters
The Telegram saga underscores the tension between personal freedoms and legal compliance, demonstrating that unchecked privacy can lead to illegal activities.
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