Telegram has entered into an exclusivity agreement designating The Open Network (TON) as the only blockchain infrastructure for its ecosystem. This pivotal move demonstrates Telegram's strengthened ties with TON, previously known as the Telegram Open Network. Following this announcement, which was shared on the messaging platform boasting over 950 million active users, Telegram aims to enhance user experience with a consistent and secure interface. “We agreed with TON Foundation to make TON the exclusive blockchain partner of Telegram, ” the statement emphasized. TON’s blog post further noted that this will benefit users through increased protection against scams and a reliable interface. From now on, all Mini Apps and games that include cryptocurrency features must transition to the TON blockchain by February 21, 2025. Moreover, TON Connect will now serve as the exclusive wallet integration protocol for Telegram Mini Apps, barring specific bridging cases. Telegram's renewed partnership with TON comes after a period of separation; the TON project, initially developed by Telegram, was handed off to independent developers in 2020 due to regulatory issues. Since then, the TON Foundation has advanced the blockchain, collaborating with Telegram to reintroduce features like the TON Wallet app and in-app currencies such as Toncoin (TON). Telegram plans to utilize TON for innovative projects, such as minting tradable NFTs as stickers.

However, developers using other blockchains, like Sui (SUI) and Aptos (APT), must migrate to TON to access Telegram’s crypto functionalities. To aid this transition, TON Foundation is offering grants of up to $50, 000 for projects that migrate within 30 days; however, those previously funded are not eligible. The consolidation of blockchain activities under TON appears to address rising security concerns, with reports indicating a 2, 000% increase in crypto phishing attacks on Telegram since November 2024. By centralizing crypto integrations, Telegram aims to reduce risks and enforce stricter standards across Mini Apps, bolstering user safety. Durov emphasized the necessity for better scam protection, indicating that the partnership with TON is intended to combat malicious activities. While this exclusivity initiative seeks to streamline and secure Telegram’s blockchain framework, it has attracted criticism. Developers reliant on other blockchains might struggle with the abrupt transition to TON within the limited 30-day period. UX director Graeme Blackwood expressed concerns about the implications for self-sovereignty and the principles of Web3, questioning the decentralization and scalability of the TON chain.