Telegram now requires the use of TON Connect for third-party crypto wallets, supporting only the TON blockchain and raising concerns about the platform's centralization.
Telegram supports only TON Connect
Starting February 21, all Mini Apps on Telegram must transition to the TON blockchain. This includes transferring smart contracts, moving assets, and using TON Connect exclusively for wallet activities. This decision means Telegram will no longer support other blockchains, affecting developers and users who have integrated various networks into their Telegram Mini Apps.
Commitment to TON by Bitget and Foresight Ventures
In November 2024, Bitget Wallet and Foresight Ventures launched a $20 million funding initiative to support the development of Telegram Mini Apps on the TON network. This initiative is another step toward expanding the TON ecosystem.
Telegram utilizes TON blockchain for its marketplace
Initially developed by Telegram in 2018, the TON blockchain was abandoned following a lawsuit from the US SEC. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, highlighted the blockchain's speed and usability as key advantages.
Telegram is firmly backing the TON blockchain, which could reduce the variety of projects and applications on the platform. However, it signifies the company’s strong commitment to this blockchain for simplifying crypto service integrations.
