Replace (Jan. 23, 4:00 pm UTC): This text has been up to date so as to add a remark from the TON Basis.
Telegram’s determination to restrict its Mini App ecosystem to completely assist The Open Community (TON) has triggered outrage throughout the neighborhood.
On Jan. 21, Telegram formally introduced the TON Basis as its unique blockchain companion, making TON the one supported community for Mini Apps and Toncoin (TON) the only token for in-app purchases.
The transfer has sparked debate within the Web3 neighborhood, with some critics arguing Telegram’s TON-only technique will damage blockchain growth and others pointing to TON’s restricted liquidity and immature tech.
TON’s restricted liquidity complicates native token launches
“Whereas not completely sudden given the TON-first method being quietly pushed behind the scenes, information of Telegram’s TON-only coverage shift got here surprisingly quick and with such a robust protectionist method,” Helika Ventures’ director Ilya Abugov advised Cointelegraph.
In keeping with Abugov, TON’s restricted liquidity complicates the power of recreation builders to natively launch tokens, taking a toll on blockchain growth.
“Centralized exchanges have proven restricted pleasure for TON initiatives,” Abugov mentioned, pointing to the partial delisting of Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) by Bybit on Jan. 17 as a consequence of poor liquidity.
On Jan. 15, Hamster Kombat additionally disclosed plans to construct its personal blockchain community, however these plans are actually unsure given Telegram’s unique partnership with TON. Cointelegraph approached Hamster for remark however hadn’t obtained a response by publication.
TON stability considerations
TON’s unique presence on Telegram’s Web3 ecosystem may additionally pose challenges to the community itself.
“The community itself remains to be maturing, that means that a big influx of advanced person habits may increase stability considerations,” Abugov mentioned.
Associated: Telegram-linked TON blockchain to deal with US progress below Trump
Garrison Yang, co-founder of Web3 gaming studio Mirai Labs, echoed Abugov’s perspective, suggesting that Telegram’s TON-only technique could hinder the messenger’s potential in crypto as a consequence of efficiency points and missed income alternatives.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov confirmed the messenger’s TON-only technique on Jan. 21. Supply: Du Rove’s Channel
“TON is nicely behind Solana and Base in efficiency, and Telegram is well-positioned to gather a toll for any blockchain interplay that isn’t constructed on the TON chain,” Yang mentioned, including:
“As an alternative, they’re taking the scorched earth method to drive builders to make use of infrastructure, which by no means ends nicely.”
Basic rules of Web3 in query?
In keeping with the Ice Open Community, Telegram’s TON-only technique “not solely contradicts the basic rules of Web3 however exposes TON’s inherently centralized nature.”
“TON, which as soon as championed a free and open web, has now unequivocally change into The Closed Community,” the Ice Open Community wrote in an X publish on Jan. 22. It added:
“This motion mirrors the ways of centralized Large Tech platforms, the place customers are locked into ecosystems with out options. The distinction is that Large Tech doesn’t declare to be decentralized.”
Telegram and TON have expressed commitments to assist freedom and decentralization. In Could 2024, Telegram co-founder and CEO Pavel Durov mentioned Telegram affords app builders “extra freedom than some other platform.”
TON-first technique versus TON-only technique
“A TON-first reasonably than a TON-only coverage would have made extra sense to ease these challenges,” Helika Ventures’ Abugov mentioned.
He additionally highlighted points seen by Telegram apps funded by different blockchains, suggesting {that a} TON-first coverage might be useful for these apps and Telegram by including third-party liquidity. He acknowledged:
“It seems TON was so afraid of dropping customers to different chains that it jumped the gun. This determination will now make it rather more tough to draw liquidity from different chains whereas inserting much more strain to get the community in higher form rapidly.”
TON Basis responds to criticism
The TON Basis responded to rising criticism over Telegram’s TON-only technique, stressing that it’s essential to distinguish between the TON community and the Telegram messenger.
“TON is an open, decentralized blockchain, whereas Telegram is a social media messaging app with full management over its platform,” a spokesperson for the inspiration advised Cointelegraph.
“Our expanded partnership ensures that Mini Apps and companies launched on Telegram profit from a secure, safe, and seamless UX,” the consultant mentioned, including:
“Nevertheless, it doesn’t restrict different initiatives from constructing on totally different blockchains, nor does it imply the TON blockchain is a closed community. […] Builders are free to decide on the platform that most accurately fits their undertaking.”
The muse additionally emphasised that TON stays a decentralized community open to all builders and different blockchains in search of to achieve Telegram’s 950 million customers by integrating with TON or its ecosystem.
“This method permits for interoperability whereas prioritizing a unified person expertise for Telegram’s viewers,” the consultant added.
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