#ZOO the triumphant return of Pavel Durov: The TON Association's bold stance on free speech and digital privacy

On March 15, 2025, after Pavel Durov's passport was returned, the TON association is celebrating a huge victory for freedom of speech and digital privacy. After months of uncertainty since his detention in France in August 2024, the Telegram founder has now been purged by the authorities and relocated to Dubai. The dramatic shift sparked widespread cheers from supporters, with the TON Association hailing it as a major victory for innovation and transparency in the digital age.
For advocates of decentralized technology, Durov's ordeal is seen as a direct challenge to fundamental rights. In an impassioned letter published on 27 August, TON called on international institutions such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the European Union to intervene to denounce the arrest as an attack on freedom of expression. Their message resonated strongly with free speech supporters, who fear that excessive government intervention could stifle online innovation and privacy.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron denied any political motive behind Durov's detention, emphasizing France's commitment to freedom of expression. However, critics such as Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski have voiced their opposition and distanced themselves from European policy, further exacerbating the debate. In the midst of these tensions, Durov's safe return is a powerful symbol of resistance and a beacon of hope for those fighting to uphold the values of openness, privacy, and digital freedom in an increasingly regulated world.
$TON #ton