Decentralized network of artificial intelligence Cocoon, built on the blockchain The Open Network (TON), is officially launched and processes user requests. This was announced by Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov.
The platform works as a distributed computing network. It allows GPU owners to lease capacity in exchange for payments in Toncoin token (TON).
Toncoin TON
According to Durov, Cocoon was created as an alternative to large centralized providers of computing resources. He noted that companies such as Amazon and Microsoft act as middlemen, increasing the cost of computing and reducing privacy.
Cocoon, in turn, allows fulfilling requests without transferring data to centralized operators, the entrepreneur stressed.
Earlier, Durov noted that the growing demand for private and secure AI services requires new models for working with computing resources. According to him, the platform provides developers with tools to perform AI operations without transferring data to third-party corporations.
The launch is accompanied by the publication of documentation and source code.
Cocoon is positioned as part of a broad discussion about the risks of centralized AI. Privacy advocates and part of the community believe that concentrating computing power with large companies could lead to social consequences.
In 2024, researchers from the Dfinity Foundation and the Onicai team presented a set of principles for ethical AI. It includes the use of publicly available blockchains to ensure transparency.
A survey conducted by Digital Currency Group also speaks in favor of decentralized systems. Out of 2,036 participants, 77% said that such an AI infrastructure would benefit society more than centralized solutions.
Durov emphasized that Cocoon was created precisely to give users back control over their data and reduce dependence on large vendors.
In the coming weeks, the Cocoon team plans to expand the network by adding new GPUs and attracting developers. Durov said that users of the messenger Telegram will be able to access additional AI features built on the mechanisms of complete privacy.


