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Telegram has recently announced that all crypto wallets integrated with the platform’s mini-apps will be required to use TON Connect, the connection protocol developed for The Open Network (TON).
This decision has sparked a heated debate within the crypto community, with developers and users expressing concerns about centralization and interoperability.
Telegram and the choice of TON Connect
TON Connect is a protocol designed to allow wallets to interface securely with decentralized applications (dApp) built on TON.
Through this system, users can authenticate and authorize transactions without directly sharing their private keys.
The integration with Telegram has allowed TON to rapidly expand its ecosystem, offering a seamless experience for those using wallets based on this blockchain.
However, the imposition of TON Connect as an exclusive standard has raised questions about users’ freedom of choice.
The obligation to use TON Connect has generated mixed reactions. Many developers fear that this choice could limit access to other wallets not compatible with the protocol, reducing competitiveness and interoperability in the crypto ecosystem.
Some members of the community have pointed out that this move could be seen as a step towards centralization, since Telegram is exercising significant control over the integration of wallets into its platform.
This contrasts with the principles of decentralization on which the blockchain sector is based.
The advantage for TON and Telegram
From Telegram’s point of view, the mandatory adoption of TON Connect could represent a strategic opportunity.
Standardizing the protocol allows for improving security and ensuring a more consistent user experience. Furthermore, this choice strengthens the TON ecosystem, increasing the adoption of its blockchain and its native token, Toncoin.
According to experts, this move could also be an attempt to counter the fragmentation of the crypto environment on Telegram, simplifying integration with mini-apps and offering users a single compatible solution with the platform.
The development teams of crypto wallets that do not support TON Connect will now have to adapt or risk being excluded from Telegram’s mini-apps.
This could lead to a downsizing of the competition, with some wallets that might leave the platform to avoid complying with this new rule.
On the other hand, developers who choose to adopt TON Connect will have direct access to a large and established user base, benefiting from the deep integration with the Telegram ecosystem.
Implications for users
For users, the imposition of TON Connect could translate into advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, the standardization of the protocol could ensure greater security and ease of use.
On the other hand, the reduction of available options could limit the freedom of choice, forcing those who use alternative wallets to migrate towards compatible solutions.
Furthermore, reliance on a single protocol could make the system more vulnerable to potential technical issues or attacks, affecting user fund accessibility.
The imposition of TON Connect represents a turning point for the way Telegram manages the integration of crypto services.
While on one hand this choice could strengthen the TON ecosystem, on the other it raises questions about the neutrality of the platform and the possibility of favoring a more closed environment compared to the open standards typical of the blockchain sector.
It remains to be seen whether the community will accept this new direction or if Telegram will be forced to reconsider its position in response to the criticisms.
What is certain is that this decision will have a significant impact on the adoption of cryptocurrencies within the messaging app.