Telegram will prohibit other blockchain integrations as it has reached an exclusive agreement with the Open Network for encrypted applications and games.
The messaging platform Telegram has once again officially partnered with TON.
Telegram and the Open Network Foundation announced an exclusive agreement requiring Telegram mini-programs (including games) that integrate cryptocurrencies to use TON, and Telegram also offers various benefits for projects utilizing the network.
TON Foundation Chairman Manual Stotz told Decrypt: "Integrating TON as the exclusive blockchain for Telegram mini-programs is a strategic step forward, consolidating TON's position as one of the world's leading blockchains."
"Telegram is one of the largest messaging applications in the world, with over 950 million active users globally," he continued, "This means the agreement provides TON with an unparalleled opportunity to become the core of blockchain innovation on a truly global scale."
Telegram is the creator of TON, which was originally known as Telegram Open Network, but the project was abandoned in 2020 due to regulatory scrutiny. Development continued through an external community of builders, who eventually launched TON as the Open Network.
In the past year and a half, the relationship between Telegram and TON has grown closer. The TON Wallet application was launched on Telegram, driving a wave of click-to-earn crypto games led by Hamster Kombat and Notcoin, attracting hundreds of millions of players.
Additionally, Telegram began paying advertising revenue shares to channel operators through Toncoin (TON) and launched the in-app Telegram Stars currency redeemable for TON. Earlier this month, Telegram revealed plans to allow users to mint in-app stickers as tradable NFTs on TON.
However, according to this agreement, Telegram and TON are no longer just allies but are closely connected. Telegram mini-programs and games using other networks (such as Sui or Aptos) will need to migrate to TON and the TON Connect protocol to retain their cryptocurrency features.
Stotz clarified to Decrypt: "Existing non-TON chain wallet protocols will be prohibited unless for the specific purpose of allowing users to bridge assets from other blockchains." He added, "To maintain a scalable and secure user experience that meets Telegram's standards, all mini-apps with cryptocurrency features must be entirely based on the TON blockchain."
The TON Foundation will provide funding for projects that migrate within 30 days, with funding amounts up to $50,000, depending on audience size. Projects that have previously received foundation support will no longer be eligible for funding.
The day after President Trump ended his support for the cryptocurrency movement and returned to the White House, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler and other cryptocurrency industry opponents resigned, and regulatory reforms are about to start. When asked about the timing of this news release, Stotz did not mention the political changes in the US but pointed out the long-standing alliance between the two parties.
He told Decrypt: "This is a natural and strategically significant alliance. Telegram has long advocated for open-source technology and supported the global Web3 community, and TON also identifies with and has the capability to support this vision. By choosing TON as the exclusive blockchain for Telegram mini-programs, Telegram can now provide powerful, reliable, and scalable solutions for its users and developers, thereby supporting the growth of its global network."
