This week in crypto, TON and Telegram made headlines for all the wrong reasons as they ran into unexpected challenges. The TON blockchain, initially developed by Telegram to create a decentralised network, faced technical difficulties, while Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested in France.

The TON blockchain experienced significant disruptions with two major outages occurring within 36 hours. These issues were linked to a sudden surge in activity from DOGS, a new memecoin launched on the TON network. The unexpected influx of transactions overwhelmed the system, causing validators to lose consensus and block production to halt for several hours. Although the network was quickly restored, these outages have raised concerns about TON’s capacity to handle large-scale operations, particularly as it positions itself as a reliable platform for decentralised applications.

The popularity of DOGS has sparked broader discussions about the stability of blockchain networks under pressure. While the TON Foundation has reassured users that measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents, these challenges highlight the complexities of maintaining a stable decentralised network, especially as TON seeks to expand its user base and integrate more applications.

In a separate but equally significant event, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was detained by French authorities and charged with criminal offenses related to his role at Telegram. The charges focus on allegations that Telegram’s encrypted messaging platform facilitated illegal activities, with prosecutors arguing that the platform’s code was intentionally designed to enable such actions. This arrest is part of a broader investigation into the use of encrypted messaging services by criminal organisations.

Following his court appearance, Durov was released from custody but placed under judicial supervision, which includes restrictions on leaving France. His arrest has cast a shadow over the future of both Telegram and the TON blockchain, as Durov has been a central figure in their development.

The Open Network, or TON, started as an ambitious project by Telegram, the messaging app founded by Pavel Durov. Launched in 2018, TON was designed to be a decentralised blockchain platform capable of fast, scalable transactions, supporting decentralised applications (dApps), and functioning as a decentralised internet. The project quickly gained attention due to Telegram’s vast user base and the innovative potential it offered.

Since its inception, TON has steadily grown, expanding its ecosystem with a focus on scalable transactions and dApps. Earlier this year, the network’s total value locked (TVL) exceeded $760 million, signalling strong investment interest, including backing from notable investors like Pantera Capital. The gaming industry has further fuelled TON’s growth through initiatives like Telegram’s Notcoin accelerator and popular community games, which have brought millions of users into the ecosystem and increased the adoption of TON Coin on the platform.

Although the network outages and Durov’s arrest have posed significant challenges, TON continues to develop and expand. The project’s integration with Telegram has introduced a large number of users to the crypto ecosystem. While recent events have raised concerns about the platform’s stability and future, TON remains an active player in the blockchain space. As the project navigates these difficulties, its role in the crypto world is likely to evolve, presenting both new opportunities and ongoing uncertainties.

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