Telegram Mandates TON Connect for Crypto Wallets, Sparking Decentralization Concerns

Telegram, the popular social messaging platform, has mandated the use of TON Connect for third-party crypto wallets, effectively making the TON blockchain the sole supporter of crypto services on its platform. This move is part of Telegram's partnership with the TON Foundation, raising concerns about the platform's decentralization and exclusivity.

Starting February 21, all Mini Apps on Telegram must transition to the TON blockchain. This includes transferring smart contracts, bridging current assets, and using TON Connect exclusively for wallet activities. While this change aims to simplify Telegram's connection with crypto services, it has sparked concerns in the cryptocurrency community about its impact on decentralization.

Telegram's decision to support only the TON blockchain means it will no longer support other blockchain networks. This affects developers and users who have integrated different blockchain networks into their Telegram Mini Apps, requiring them to make significant technical changes, such as moving their smart contracts and assets to the TON blockchain.

While the goal is to improve user experience and crypto service integration, critics argue that relying solely on TON could go against the decentralized values the wider cryptocurrency community supports. Additionally, some worry that limiting Mini Apps to one blockchain might make Telegram's ecosystem too centralized, reducing the variety of projects and applications its platform can use. However, Telegram's focus on TON demonstrates its strong commitment to this blockchain.

In November 2024, Bitget Wallet and Foresight Ventures introduced a $20 million funding initiative to support the development of Telegram Mini Apps. The fund aims to catalyze a revival for TON by encouraging new Mini-App projects and providing infrastructure and resources to developers eager to capitalize on Telegram's vast user base. This funding initiative is part of Bitget and Foresight Ventures' ongoing commitment to TON, following their previous $30 million investment in the TON blockchain to increase their involvement in its governance and future direction.

Telegram initially developed the TON blockchain in 2018 alongside the messaging app but later abandoned it following a lawsuit from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Despite this setback, Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging app, has expressed his support for the TON blockchain and its potential for growth.