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 choice to restrict its Mini App ecosystem to completely assist The Open Community (TON) has triggered outrage inside 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 surprising 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 powerful protectionist means,” Helika Ventures’ director Ilya Abugov informed Cointelegraph.In response to Abugov, TON’s restricted liquidity complicates the flexibility of recreation builders to natively launch tokens, taking a toll on blockchain growth.“Centralized exchanges have proven restricted pleasure for TON tasks,” Abugov stated, pointing to the partial delisting of Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) by Bybit on Jan. 17 because 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 acquired a response by publication.TON stability concernsTON’s unique presence on Telegram’s Web3 ecosystem might additionally pose challenges to the community itself.“The community itself remains to be maturing, that means that a big influx of complicated consumer conduct might increase stability considerations,” Abugov stated.Associated: Telegram-linked TON blockchain to give attention to US progress below TrumpGarrison Yang, co-founder of Web3 gaming studio Mirai Labs, echoed Abugov’s perspective, suggesting that Telegram’s TON-only technique might hinder the messenger’s potential in crypto because 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’s not constructed on the TON chain,” Yang stated, including:“As a substitute, they’re taking the scorched earth method to pressure builders to make use of infrastructure, which by no means ends nicely.”Basic ideas of Web3 in query?In response to the Ice Open Community, Telegram’s TON-only technique “not solely contradicts the basic ideas of Web3 however exposes TON’s inherently centralized nature.”“TON, which as soon as championed a free and open web, has now unequivocally develop into The Closed Community,” the Ice Open Community wrote in an X put up on Jan. 22. It added:“This motion mirrors the ways of centralized Huge Tech platforms, the place customers are locked into ecosystems with out options. The distinction is that Huge 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 stated Telegram affords app builders “extra freedom than some other platform.”TON-first technique versus TON-only technique“A TON-first somewhat than a TON-only coverage would have made extra sense to ease these challenges,” Helika Ventures’ Abugov stated.He additionally highlighted points seen by Telegram apps funded by different blockchains, suggesting {that a} TON-first coverage may very well be helpful for these apps and Telegram by including third-party liquidity. He said:“It seems TON was so afraid of shedding customers to different chains that it jumped the gun. This choice will now make it far more troublesome to draw liquidity from different chains whereas inserting much more strain to get the community in higher form shortly.”TON Basis responds to criticismThe TON Basis responded to rising criticism over Telegram’s TON-only technique, stressing that it’s vital 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 muse informed Cointelegraph.“Our expanded partnership ensures that Mini Apps and providers launched on Telegram profit from a protected, safe, and seamless UX,” the consultant stated, including:“Nevertheless, it doesn’t restrict different tasks 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 closely fits their mission.”The muse additionally emphasised that TON stays a decentralized community open to all builders and different blockchains looking for to succeed in Telegram’s 950 million customers by integrating with TON or its ecosystem.“This method permits for interoperability whereas prioritizing a unified consumer expertise for Telegram’s viewers,” the consultant added.Journal: BTC’s ‘affordable’ $180K goal, NFTs plunge in 2024, and extra: Hodler’s Digest Jan 12 – 18
