Telegram has made a bold move in its cryptocurrency integration by mandating that all third-party crypto wallets on its platform exclusively use TON Connect, the wallet connection protocol developed by The Open Network (TON) Foundation. This partnership elevates TON as the official blockchain network for Telegram, marking a significant shift in the crypto space.
Effective immediately, all Mini Apps operating on Telegram that currently support other blockchains must transition to TON by February 21, 2025. This transition will require developers to migrate their smart contracts, bridge existing assets, and fully adopt TON Connect for wallet connections. The decision effectively sidelines other blockchain networks that had previously been supported by Telegram’s ecosystem.
This exclusive integration of TON comes as Telegram continues to expand its crypto services, following a surge in interest from users and developers alike. With over $1 billion in revenue reported for 2024, Telegram’s move signals its growing commitment to integrating blockchain technology and crypto into its platform. By consolidating its services around TON, Telegram aims to create a more seamless and secure environment for crypto transactions.
However, the decision has sparked controversy within the crypto community, with some users and developers concerned about the restriction of wallet options and the dominance of a single blockchain. Telegram’s decision underscores the increasing influence of TON in the broader digital asset landscape and raises questions about the future of decentralized platforms.
Also read: Ondo Finance Unveils Ondo Global Markets: A Blockchain-Based Platform for Tokenizing US Securities
