Updated on:12/22/2025 05:26 PM 
The recent announcement of an exclusivity agreement between Telegram and The Open Network (TON) Foundation has ignited significant controversy within the blockchain development community, raising critical questions about decentralization and ecosystem control.
Under this new policy, all Telegram Mini Apps featuring cryptocurrency functionality must now exclusively integrate with the TON blockchain, effectively creating a mandatory migration path for developers. While Telegram positions this move as strategic alignment for enhanced user experience, industry observers view it as a centralizing maneuver that could fundamentally alter the decentralized nature of blockchain ecosystems.
Tim Delhaes, co-founder and CEO of multi-chain wallet Grindery, expressed particular concern about the implementation timeline. The policy requires developers to complete their migration within an unusually compressed 7 to 10 day window—a timeframe that stands in stark contrast to the typical months-long transitions characteristic of decentralized networks.
"This exclusivity clause risks alienating developers and making TON irrelevant," Delhaes emphasized in an interview with CryptoSlate. "Telegram's actions increasingly resemble those of major tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta, which have faced criticism for creating walled gardens that stifle competition."
The controversy extends beyond mere inconvenience, Delhaes argued, suggesting that Telegram's approach could undermine the company's credibility as a blockchain proponent. "Projects like Hamster Combat and Notcoin have demonstrated impressive user acquisition, but community engagement and liquidity remain distributed across multiple networks," he noted. "Forcing exclusivity threatens to reduce TON to a platform for gimmicks rather than substantive innovation."
In response to mounting criticism, the TON Foundation maintains that the integration strategy ultimately benefits both developers and users. A spokesperson clarified that the changes aim to create a more streamlined onboarding experience while maintaining ecosystem growth priorities.
"The unified approach simplifies wallet integration and increases conversion rates," the representative stated. "These changes align with our vision of building a seamless, scalable environment that prioritizes developer engagement—the true drivers of ecosystem expansion."
When questioned about potential developer attrition, TON leadership argued that the standardized framework would actually lower barriers to entry for newcomers to both Telegram and blockchain technology. The Foundation reiterated that maintaining developer relationships remains a core objective, despite the policy shift.
As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, the tension between platform control and decentralization remains a defining issue. Telegram's approach to TON integration may serve as a case study for how messaging platforms navigate their growing role in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
