TON to Become the Exclusive Blockchain for Telegram

Telegram has officially announced an expansion of its collaboration with the TON Foundation, making TON the exclusive blockchain for its ecosystem. This decision means that all tokenization processes, payments, and mini-app integrations in Telegram will now be conducted exclusively on the TON blockchain. What does this mean for users and developers? Let’s break it down.

What Will Change for Telegram Users?

With TON becoming Telegram’s sole blockchain, users can expect a more stable and secure experience when interacting with decentralized services within the messenger. By standardizing TON for transactions and digital assets, Telegram promises:

A predictable and seamless user experience, eliminating the need to work with multiple blockchains;

A higher level of fraud protection, as all operations will go through TON’s verified tools;

Integration with TON Connect, which will become the standard solution for connecting crypto wallets within Telegram mini-apps.

Users will still be able to interact with popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but only through bridges operating on the TON blockchain.

Changes for Mini-App Developers

Developers must adapt to the new requirements, as all Telegram mini-apps utilizing blockchain must:

Switch to using TON Connect for wallet interactions;

Cease using and promoting blockchains other than TON, such as Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, etc.;

Migrate all existing assets and smart contracts to TON by February 21, 2025;

Ensure that all new applications comply with the updated terms from their launch.

Telegram has published detailed Blockchain Guidelines outlining the new requirements for mini-app developers.

Deadlines for transitioning to TON:

By February 1, 2025, developers must fully comply with clauses 7.1–7.4 of the Terms of Service;

After January 21, 2025, all new assets must be issued exclusively on TON.

What is allowed and what is not:

✅ Allowed:

Issuing and distributing tokens and NFTs only on the TON blockchain;

Using TON Connect to link wallets;

Promoting TON-based wallets (Tonkeeper, Wallet, MyTonWallet);

Managing assets from other blockchains within TON wallets.

❌ Not allowed:

Using other blockchains, such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, etc.;

Promoting multi-chain wallets that operate outside the TON ecosystem;

Integrating third-party cryptocurrency wallets without support for TON Connect.

It is important to note that regular Telegram bots, which are not mini-apps, are exempt from these requirements and can continue operating as usual.

Benefits for Early Adopters

Developers who swiftly adapt to the new regulations will have access to financial and marketing support from the TON Foundation. The incentive program offers grants of up to $50,000, as well as promotional opportunities within Telegram to help projects scale and attract new users.

The Future of the TON Ecosystem in Telegram

Telegram and the TON Foundation believe that transitioning to a unified blockchain infrastructure will unlock new opportunities for the messenger's ecosystem. Pavel Durov emphasized that standardizing blockchain tools will create a stable and predictable environment, while also providing users with new ways to interact with digital assets.

“I foresee a wave of innovation coming from this strong integration between Telegram and TON”, — said Durov in his official Telegram channel.

Experts believe that making TON the exclusive blockchain could lead to widespread adoption of blockchain technologies, positioning Telegram as a leading platform for Web3 applications.

Conclusion

TON is gaining exclusive status within Telegram — a step aimed at creating a unified and secure blockchain infrastructure within the messenger. Users will benefit from a more convenient and secure way to interact with digital assets, while developers will face new opportunities and challenges in adaptation.

Stay tuned for updates and transition to the new standards to remain part of the Telegram ecosystem.