In a victory for digital rights advocates, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has regained possession of his passport from French authorities, triggering a remarkable 20% surge in TON’s value within just 24 hours. The cryptocurrency now trades above $3.45, pushing its market capitalization to $8.14 billion.

This development marks the end of a situation that had raised significant concerns among privacy and free speech supporters worldwide. Durov, whose messaging platform Telegram serves nearly a billion users globally, has long been a vocal champion for secure communication and digital privacy rights.

The TON Foundation expressed solidarity with Durov in a social media statement: “As part of the decentralized TON community, we have stood in solidarity with Pavel, supporting his unwavering dedication to defending the right to free speech and privacy online.”

The return of Durov’s passport restores his ability to travel freely, a fundamental right that many feared was being compromised. This positive outcome coincides with several new features introduced to the Telegram Wallet app, including support for multiple assets, a yield program, and an improved user interface.

These developments have created a perfect storm for TON’s value appreciation, reflecting market confidence in both the technology and its association with Durov’s vision for a more open and secure digital future.