Telegram Mandates TON Connect for Crypto Wallets, Sparking Crypto Community Backlash

Telegram, the popular messaging platform, has sparked controversy by mandating the use of TON Connect for all crypto wallets integrated with its services. The move, part of an exclusive partnership with The Open Network (TON) Foundation, has been met with backlash from the crypto community.

Effective immediately, all third-party crypto wallets on Telegram are required to use TON Connect as their exclusive wallet connection protocol. This decision positions TON as the official blockchain for Telegram, effectively sidelining other networks. The new requirement is a result of Telegram's partnership with the TON Foundation, which has made TON the sole supported blockchain network for its messenger services.

Consequently, Mini Apps currently operating on other blockchains must transition to TON by February 21. This transition includes migrating smart contracts, bridging existing assets, and exclusively adopting TON Connect. The deadline has left some developers scrambling to comply with the new requirements.

The crypto community has expressed concerns about Telegram's decision, with some users and developers arguing that it limits interoperability and stifles innovation. Critics have also raised questions about the security and reliability of TON Connect, given that it is a proprietary protocol developed by Telegram and the TON Foundation.

Telegram, however, has defended its decision, stating that the partnership with TON will enhance the user experience and facilitate seamless crypto transactions within its platform. The company has also emphasized that the move is part of its broader strategy to integrate blockchain technology into its messaging services.

The controversy surrounding Telegram's mandate highlights the ongoing debate within the crypto community about the role of centralized platforms in the decentralized world of blockchain technology. As Telegram continues to push forward with its integration of TON, it remains to be seen how the crypto community will adapt and respond to the changes.