Telegram revealed prohibitions imposed on other blockchain integrations in an exclusive deal with The Open Network (TON) for the crypto apps and games.
The Pavel Durov-led Telegram reignited the official alliance with TON as both companies revealed an exclusivity deal on January 22. The messaging platform mandates all the mini apps that have crypto integrations utilize TON. The platform will extend various benefits to the initiatives using the network.
Ton Foundation head Manual Stotz hailed the exclusive blockchain integration with Telegram. The executive profiled the integration as a strategic step forward that will ultimately strengthen and elevate TON’s status as one of the leading global blockchains.
Stotz observed that Telegram is among the leading messaging apps globally, with its network hosting over 950M active users. He added that the agreement represents an unparalleled opportunity for TON within the heart of blockchain innovation.
Telegram was the initial creator of TON, then identified as Telegram Open Network. It would dump the initiative in 2020, alleging regulatory scrutiny. This allowed a community of builders to develop the TON, launching it as The Open Network externally.
Telegram Announces Exclusive Deal with TON
Telegram and TON have been intertwined since mid-2023. The messaging platform unveiled the TON Wallet app, which is a move that fueled the latest wave of tap-to-earn games. The crypto games, including Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, have attracted hundreds of millions of players.
Additionally, Telegram is behind channel operators, earning a portion of ad revenue settled via Toncoin (TON). The initiative features an accompanying Telegram Stars currency, though for in-app use, is redeemable for TON. Besides, Telegram hinted early this month that it would allow users to mint in-app stickers that are tradable NFTs on TON.
The latest agreement on exclusivity usage leaves Telegram and TON aligned and conjoined. It requires the Telegram mini-apps and games previously utilizing SUI and Aptos networks to migrate to the TON blockchain. Also, the migration will extend to the TON Connect protocol to allow such to retain their crypto functionality.
Stotz clarified that it would prohibit the existing wallet protocols provided for the non-TON chains. Nonetheless, its existence will only allow users to bridge assets from rival blockchains. Mini apps that have crypto functionality will exercise such exclusive use on the TON blockchain to guarantee scalability and security in user experiences.
The TON Foundation confirmed it will award grants to projects migrating within the 30-day timeframe. It plans to offer grants capped at $50,000, though relative to the audience size. However, the recent undertaking considers previous beneficiaries ineligible for this grant.
Is TON-Telegram Marriage Timely?
The disclosure by the Telegram and Ton team emerged a day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. His return to the Oval Office follows the pro-crypto campaign that the Republican politician held, promising regulatory shakeup to support the digital assets industry.
A notable development in crypto regulation is the exit of SEC chair Gary Gensler, who is considered an antagonist and is targeting the industry. Meanwhile, pro-crypto Commissioner Mark Uyeda has succeeded Gensler in an acting capacity. This will ensure a smooth transition to Paul Atkins, whom Trump nominated for the role.
While Stotz avoided alluding to political development, he indicated that parties often establish long alignments. He considers the declaration by Telegram to be a natural yet strategic alignment. He is considered well-versed, given his multi-year advocacy for open-source technology. Additionally, the messaging app champions an enhanced global Web3 community.
Stotz assured that TON shares this objective, given that it is well-positioned to support the realization of this vision. He adds that selecting TON for exclusive blockchain usage will allow Telegram to provide robust, scalable, and reliable solutions for developers and users.
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