Tim Delhaes, co-founder and CEO of multi-chain wallet Grindery, argued that Telegram’s exclusivity deal with TON Foundation risks alienating developers, which would make TON irrelevant.
Telegram Mini Apps now have to integrate cryptography into their apps through the TON network, as part of the recently announced exclusive agreement between Telegram and the TON Foundation.
Telegram may frame the move as strategic alignment but it’s seen by many as an attempt to control the blockchain ecosystem.
Delhaes told CryptoSlate the new policy includes a 7-10 day migration window. The timeframe for this policy shift is unusually brief, especially in decentralized systems where these transitions usually take months.
Delhaes said that while Telegram had marketed itself to be a proponent of decentralization and compared it with Apple, Google, Meta, who have all been criticized for operating closed-off environments which restrict competition.
Delhaes stated:
“If you’re working in a somewhat centralized environment, like web2 tech world, you would likely expect companies to do that. But if you’re entering the web3 space with an aspiration of building open source systems and getting rid of walled gardens, you need to ask yourself, who really lives up to what they are publicly saying.”
He further argued that the changes in Telegram’s crypto Mini Apps impact the whole crypto industry, creating uncertainty for developers building applications in various blockchain ecosystems. Delhaes believes the move could jeopardize Telegram’s credibility regarding blockchain applications.
He noted that projects such as Hamster Combat and Notcoin amassed many users but added that community and liquidity still reside on other networks.
Delhaes said that by creating an exclusivity clause in its terms of services, TON risks becoming irrelevant or becoming a network where people only use gimmicks despite presenting a good framework.
He added:
“Telegram wants TON to be the payment rails of a super app, but I think this path [of irrelevance] is where they are going.”
TON Foundation defends integration strategy
The TON Foundation said that the shift will ultimately benefit developers and users. In a statement sent to CryptoSlate, a spokesperson said:
“By integrating TON as the exclusive blockchain for Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem, Telegram can now provide a robust, reliable, and scalable solution.”
When asked if the move could cause a builder exodus, TON argued that the unified user experience would streamline onboarding for crypto users and developers.
The Foundation also reiterated that maintaining developer engagement remains a top priority, as they are the main drivers of ecosystem growth. It added that the terms of service changes make wallet integration “much easier,” leading to higher conversion rates.
TON Foundation has also said that this change is in keeping with the vision it holds for an eco-system centered on a user and developer friendly, seamless and scalable ecosystem.
“The spokesperson said”
“At the same time, we’re focused on balancing expansion with security and reliability, leveraging TON’s inherent scalability to support global user growth while continuously iterating on and improving the infrastructure.”
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