Telegram’s exclusivity deal with TON sparks developer backlash

2 hours ago

Tim Delhaes, co-founder and CEO of multi-chain wallet Grindery, argued that Telegram’s exclusivity woody with TON Foundation risks alienating developers, which would marque TON irrelevant.

The recently announced exclusivity woody betwixt the messaging app and TON Foundation mandates that each Telegram Mini Apps with crypto integrations done the TON network.

Although Telegram frames the determination arsenic a strategical alignment, it is seen arsenic an effort from the institution down the messaging app to tighten its power implicit the blockchain ecosystem.

Delhaes explained to CryptoSlate that the argumentation displacement includes a strict 7- to 10-day migration model for developers. This timeframe is unusually abbreviated for decentralized ecosystems, wherever specified transitions typically unfold implicit months.

While Telegram has marketed itself arsenic a champion of decentralization, Delhaes compared its latest actions to those of Apple, Google, and Meta, which person drawn disapproval for operating walled gardens that restrict outer competition.

Delhaes stated:

“If you’re moving successful a somewhat centralized environment, similar web2 tech world, you would apt expect companies to bash that. But if you’re entering the web3 abstraction with an aspiration of gathering unfastened root systems and getting escaped of walled gardens, you request to inquire yourself, who truly lives up to what they are publically saying.”

He further argued that the changes successful Telegram’s crypto Mini Apps interaction the full crypto industry, creating uncertainty for developers gathering applications successful assorted blockchain ecosystems. Delhaes believes the determination could jeopardize Telegram’s credibility regarding blockchain applications.

He noted that projects specified arsenic Hamster Combat and Notcoin amassed galore users but added that assemblage and liquidity inactive reside connected different networks.

Delhaes said that by creating an exclusivity clause successful its presumption of services, TON risks becoming irrelevant oregon becoming a web wherever radical lone usage gimmicks contempt presenting a bully framework.

He added:

“Telegram wants TON to beryllium the outgo rails of a ace app, but I deliberation this way [of irrelevance] is wherever they are going.”

TON Foundation defends integration strategy

The TON Foundation said that the displacement volition yet payment developers and users. In a connection sent to CryptoSlate, a spokesperson said:

“By integrating TON arsenic the exclusive blockchain for Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem, Telegram tin present supply a robust, reliable, and scalable solution.”

When asked if the determination could origin a builder exodus, TON argued that the unified idiosyncratic acquisition would streamline onboarding for crypto users and developers.

The Foundation besides reiterated that maintaining developer engagement remains a apical priority, arsenic they are the main drivers of ecosystem growth. It added that the presumption of work changes marque wallet integration “much easier,” starring to higher conversion rates.

Furthermore, the TON Foundation stated that the changes align with its imaginativeness of an ecosystem centered connected a seamless, scalable, and user-friendly situation for users and developers. 

The spokesperson said:

“At the aforesaid time, we’re focused connected balancing enlargement with information and reliability, leveraging TON’s inherent scalability to enactment planetary idiosyncratic maturation portion continuously iterating connected and improving the infrastructure.”

The station Telegram’s exclusivity woody with TON sparks developer backlash appeared archetypal connected CryptoSlate.

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