Tim Delhaes, co-founder and CEO of multi-chain pockets Grindery, argued that Telegram’s exclusivity cope with TON Basis dangers alienating builders, which might make TON irrelevant.
The newly introduced exclusivity deal between the messaging app and TON Basis mandates that each one Telegram Mini Apps with crypto integrations by the TON community.
Though Telegram frames the transfer as a strategic alignment, it’s seen as an effort from the corporate behind the messaging app to tighten its management over the blockchain ecosystem.
Delhaes defined to CryptoSlate that the coverage shift features a strict 7- to 10-day migration window for builders. This timeframe is unusually quick for decentralized ecosystems, the place such transitions sometimes unfold over months.
Whereas Telegram has marketed itself as a champion of decentralization, Delhaes in contrast its newest actions to these of Apple, Google, and Meta, which have drawn criticism for working walled gardens that limit exterior competitors.
Delhaes said:
“For those who’re working in a considerably centralized atmosphere, like web2 tech world, you’ll doubtless count on corporations to do this. However in case you’re getting into the web3 house with an aspiration of constructing open supply programs and eliminating walled gardens, it’s worthwhile to ask your self, who actually lives as much as what they’re publicly saying.”
He additional argued that the modifications in Telegram’s crypto Mini Apps affect the entire crypto business, creating uncertainty for builders constructing functions in varied blockchain ecosystems. Delhaes believes the transfer might jeopardize Telegram’s credibility relating to blockchain functions.
He famous that tasks equivalent to Hamster Fight and Notcoin amassed many customers however added that neighborhood and liquidity nonetheless reside on different networks.
Delhaes stated that by creating an exclusivity clause in its phrases of providers, TON dangers changing into irrelevant or changing into a community the place individuals solely use gimmicks regardless of presenting a very good framework.
He added:
“Telegram needs TON to be the cost rails of a brilliant app, however I believe this path [of irrelevance] is the place they’re going.”
TON Basis defends integration technique
The TON Basis stated that the shift will in the end profit builders and customers. In a press release despatched to CryptoSlate, a spokesperson stated:
“By integrating TON because the unique blockchain for Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem, Telegram can now present a sturdy, dependable, and scalable resolution.”
When requested if the transfer might trigger a builder exodus, TON argued that the unified person expertise would streamline onboarding for crypto customers and builders.
The Basis additionally reiterated that sustaining developer engagement stays a prime precedence, as they’re the primary drivers of ecosystem progress. It added that the phrases of service modifications make pockets integration “a lot simpler,” resulting in larger conversion charges.
Moreover, the TON Basis said that the modifications align with its imaginative and prescient of an ecosystem centered on a seamless, scalable, and user-friendly atmosphere for customers and builders.
The spokesperson stated:
“On the identical time, we’re centered on balancing growth with safety and reliability, leveraging TON’s inherent scalability to assist world person progress whereas repeatedly iterating on and bettering the infrastructure.”