Nikolas Sargeant
Telegram has introduced a new mandate requiring third-party cryptocurrency wallets to exclusively use TON Connect for their integration with the platform, following its exclusive partnership with The Open Network (TON) Foundation. This move makes TON the sole supported blockchain for Telegram services, limiting third-party integrations to only those that comply with this new protocol. The decision has raised concerns about decentralization and the future of Telegram’s open ecosystem, especially among developers and users of Mini Apps.
According to the updated guidelines, existing Mini Apps operating on other blockchains must transition to TON by February 21. This includes migrating assets, adapting smart contracts, and ensuring that all interactions are routed through TON Connect. Telegram’s Wallet service, which is already built on the TON blockchain, will not be affected by the changes, but third-party wallets failing to adopt TON Connect will lose access to Telegram’s platform once the migration deadline expires.
The integration of TON Connect, an open-source communication protocol for the TON ecosystem, was introduced in 2022 as a way to simplify user authentication and interactions with decentralized applications. However, the new exclusive requirement has prompted criticism from developers, with some even considering leaving the Telegram ecosystem entirely. Notably, Grindery Wallet, a multichain wallet, has expressed concerns over the limited time for adjustment and the potential impact on user trust.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between Telegram’s vision for a more centralized, TON-exclusive ecosystem and the decentralized ethos many in the community advocate. While the move could solidify Telegram’s ties with TON, it also risks alienating developers and users who rely on multichain solutions, such as the SUI-based game SEED. This decision could have lasting effects on the platform's decentralized reputation and its future as a blockchain-friendly ecosystem.
