Telegram has made a groundbreaking move by establishing The Open Network (TON) as its sole blockchain infrastructure, a decision set to reshape the messaging app’s cryptocurrency ecosystem. The announcement solidifies Telegram’s deepening ties with TON, a blockchain initially developed by the platform before regulatory challenges led to its transfer to independent developers in 2020.
In a statement shared with its 950 million active users, Telegram emphasized the benefits of this partnership. “We agreed with TON Foundation to make TON the exclusive blockchain partner of Telegram,” the company declared. The decision aims to standardize blockchain functionalities within the app, enhance user experience, and improve protection against scams, a persistent issue on the platform.
Under this new arrangement, all Mini Apps and games utilizing cryptocurrency features must migrate to TON’s blockchain by February 21, 2025. TON’s official communication reiterated the urgency: “All mini-apps on Telegram will now exclusively use TON as their blockchain infrastructure. All mini-apps that do not currently use TON should migrate by February 21, 2025. So let’s get on with it.”
As part of the transition, TON Connect will become the exclusive wallet integration protocol for Telegram’s Mini Apps, streamlining wallet compatibility across the platform. This development builds on Telegram’s recent reintroduction of TON features, including the TON Wallet, in-app currencies like Toncoin, and crypto-based games.
While the partnership brings exciting opportunities, such as enabling tokenization, payouts, and even minting NFTs as tradable in-app stickers, it has drawn criticism. Developers using other blockchains like Sui (SUI) or Aptos (APT) now face the challenge of migrating to TON or risk losing access to Telegram’s crypto integrations. TON Foundation has attempted to ease this transition by offering grants of up to $50,000 to projects that migrate within 30 days, although prior grant recipients are excluded.
Telegram’s pivot to exclusivity with TON may also be a strategic response to escalating security threats. Scam Sniffer, a security analysis firm, reported a staggering 2,000% increase in crypto phishing attacks on Telegram since November 2024. These attacks exploit the platform’s open nature, often targeting users with fraudulent schemes.
By centralizing blockchain integrations within TON, Telegram seeks to mitigate these vulnerabilities. The platform can enforce stricter standards for crypto functionalities across Mini Apps, reducing risks and boosting user confidence. “This standardization will be great for Telegram users—giving them a consistent, predictable experience and better protection against scams,” Telegram assured in its announcement.
Despite the potential benefits, the move has sparked backlash from some in the Web3 community. Critics argue that forcing developers into a single ecosystem undermines the core principles of decentralization and permissionless innovation. “Nothing says self-sovereign like forcing people to use your system. Permissionless. Composable. Open. These are the standards of Web3. I had hoped Telegram was better than this,” said Graeme Blackwood, UX and creative director at smart wallet firm Argent.
Telegram’s decision represents a bold step toward consolidating its blockchain strategy under a single infrastructure. While the exclusivity with TON offers the promise of streamlined operations and enhanced security, it also challenges developers and raises questions about the balance between innovation and centralization in the evolving Web3 landscape.