Telegram Sets One-Month Deadline for Mini-Apps to Adopt TON Blockchain

Telegram has announced an exclusivity agreement designating The Open Network ( TON ) as the sole blockchain framework for its ecosystem, marking a transformative shift in strategy and solidifying its partnership with TON, a project that originated from Telegram's own efforts.

Through a widely disseminated message on the platform, which boasts over 950 million active users, Telegram underscored its commitment to enhancing user experience through this alliance.

"We agreed with TON Foundation to make TON the exclusive blockchain partner of Telegram," the statement disclosed.

Simultaneously, a post on TON's blog elaborated on the benefits of this alignment, emphasizing the improved consistency and security for Telegram users. Under this new framework, all Mini Apps and cryptocurrency-enabled games within Telegram will need to transition to TON blockchain by February 21, 2025.

"All mini-apps on Telegram will now exclusively use TON as their blockchain infrastructure. All mini-apps that do not currently use TON should migrate by February 21, 2025. So let’s get on with it," declared TON on X.

Additionally, TON Connect will serve as the exclusive wallet integration protocol for Telegram Mini Apps, except in specific bridging cases, as confirmed by TON Foundation President Manuel Stotz.

The renewed collaboration with TON follows a period of separation after regulatory hurdles led to the transfer of the TON project to independent developers in 2020. Since then, TON Foundation has actively progressed the blockchain, reintroducing features such as the TON Wallet app, blockchain-enabled games, and cryptocurrency options like Toncoin (TON) with Telegram's support.

Beyond basic functionalities, Telegram aims to utilize TON for innovative projects, including the creation of tradable NFTs within the app. Current developers using blockchains like Sui (SUI) and Aptos (APT) must transition to TON to retain access to Telegram’s crypto features.

To aid this transition, TON Foundation is offering migration grants up to $50,000, although prior grant recipients are excluded.

Telegram's strategic alignment with TON may also be driven by security imperatives. According to Scam Sniffer, there has been a staggering 2,000% increase in crypto phishing attacks on Telegram since November 2024, exploiting the platform’s openness.

Centralizing blockchain operations under TON could mitigate these risks, allowing Telegram to enforce stringent security protocols and enhance trust among users.

"The standardization will be great for Telegram users — giving them a consistent, predictable experience and better protection against scams," Telegram's message added, highlighting the protective advantages of TON integration.

Despite the forward-thinking prospects of this exclusivity deal, it poses challenges. Developers dependent on alternative blockchains may struggle with the stringent 30-day migration requirement.

Critics, like Graeme Blackwood of smart wallet firm Argent, have expressed concerns about the implied limitations: “…nothing says self-sovereign” like forcing people to use your system. Permissionless. Composable. Open. These are the standards of Web3. I had hoped Telegram was better than this. It wouldn’t be so bad if TON chain was decentralized and scalable.”

This strategic move aims to streamline and secure Telegram’s blockchain integrations while sparking discussions about the future of decentralization and blockchain scalability.