Telegram has revealed the ban imposed on other blockchain integrations through its exclusivity agreement with The Open Network (TON) for cryptocurrency apps and games.
Pavel Durov-led Telegram relaunched its official partnership with TON on January 22, when the two companies announced an exclusive agreement. The messaging platform requires all mini apps with cryptocurrency integration to utilize TON. The platform extends a variety of benefits to initiatives that use the network.
Ton Foundation CEO Manual Stotz welcomed the exclusive blockchain integration with Telegram. He explained that the integration is a strategic step that will ultimately strengthen and elevate TON’s position as one of the leading global blockchains.
Stotz observed that Telegram is one of the leading messaging apps in the world, with a network hosting over 950 million active users. He added that this agreement represents an unparalleled opportunity for TON, which is at the center of blockchain innovation.
Telegram was the initial founder of TON, later identified as the Telegram Open Network. The plan is scheduled to be scrapped in 2020, citing regulatory scrutiny. This allowed the builder community to develop TON and launch it externally as The Open Network.
Telegram Announces Exclusive Agreement with TON
Telegram and TON have been intertwined since mid-2023. The messaging platform has unveiled its TON Wallet app, a move that has fueled its latest tap-to-earn game. Cryptocurrency games, including Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, have attracted hundreds of millions of players.
Additionally, Telegram follows channel operators and earns a portion of advertising revenue settled via Toncoin (TON). The initiative includes Telegram Stars currency, but can be exchanged for TON for in-app usage. Moreover, Telegram hinted earlier this month that it would allow users to issue in-app stickers, which are NFTs that can be traded on TON.
The recent agreement on exclusive use has aligned and combined Telegram and TON. Migrating to the TON blockchain will require Telegram mini apps and games that previously utilized the SUI and Aptos networks. Migration can also be extended to the TON Connect protocol to maintain encryption capabilities.
Stotz said he would ban existing wallet protocols from serving chains other than TON. Nonetheless, its existence will only allow users to link assets from competing blockchains. Mini-apps with cryptographic capabilities exercise exclusive use on the TON blockchain, ensuring scalability and security of the user experience.
The TON Foundation has confirmed that it will award grants to projects that migrate within 30 days. We plan to provide grants of up to $50,000, although they will be proportional to audience size. However, the latest initiative deems previous beneficiaries ineligible for this subsidy.
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This disclosure by the Telegram and Tone teams came to light just one day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. His return to the Oval Office follows a pro-crypto campaign waged by Republican politicians who have promised regulatory overhauls to support the digital asset industry.
A notable development in cryptocurrency regulation is the departure of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, who is seen as an adversary and has been targeting the industry. Meanwhile, Mark Uyeda, a member of the cryptocurrency advocacy committee, will succeed Gensler as deputy. This will ensure a smooth transition to President Trump’s nominee, Paul Atkins.
Stotz declined to comment on political developments, but noted that political parties often form long-term alliances. He sees Telegram’s declaration as a natural and strategic fit. He is considered knowledgeable given his many years of advocacy for open source technology. The messaging app also supports an enhanced global Web3 community.
Stotz assured that TON shares this goal, considering that it is well positioned to support the realization of this vision. He added that choosing TON for exclusive blockchain use will enable Telegram to provide developers and users with a robust, scalable and reliable solution.
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