Telegram's Pavel Durov Unveils Decentralized AI Network Cocoon

By: Isha Das

In a groundbreaking venture, Pavel Durov, the co-founder of Telegram, has announced the development of Cocoon, a decentralized AI network. The initiative is set to operate on The Open Network (TON), an independent layer-1 blockchain closely linked with the popular messaging application, Telegram. This revelation was made at the Blockchain Life 2025 forum in Abu Dhabi, where Durov emphasized Cocoon's potential to revolutionize how users access AI tools while maintaining their privacy.

Cocoon aims to empower users by providing AI-driven features without compromising the confidentiality of their data, which has been a substantial concern with centralized AI service providers. The network will enable users to contribute their graphic processing units (GPUs) to Cocoon's processing tasks. In return, participants will be rewarded with Toncoin, the native cryptocurrency of the TON blockchain. This not only incentivizes users but also contributes to a more democratized AI model where access and control are distributed among participants rather than centralized entities.

The decision to develop a decentralized AI network like Cocoon on The Open Network is founded on the idea of preserving human freedom and privacy in the digital age. In centralized networks, data privacy is often at risk, leading to concerns among users about their digital footprints. Durov's Cocoon intends to alleviate these concerns by ensuring that AI computations and data processing are handled securely and privately, offering a new paradigm of user interaction with AI while avoiding the pitfalls of data centralization.

With Cocoon, Pavel Durov is setting the stage for a transformative approach to both blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, underscoring the importance of data privacy and security in the evolving technological landscape. The project also highlights a growing trend towards decentralization in various digital sectors, showcasing the potential for blockchain applications beyond traditional finance. Interested stakeholders and potential contributors are eager to see how Cocoon will unfold and its implications on the broader tech ecosystem.