Telegram Messenger has increased the global adoption of crypto, enabling users to access digital assets directly on the platform. Still, it’s not a competitor or a threat to other entry points like web browsers.
Although some industry observers have suggested that Telegram could be the key to reaching the first billion crypto users, the messenger is not perceived as a competitor or a threat to conventional crypto entry points, such as web browsers.
The crypto ecosystem has flourished on crypto-friendly browsers such as Brave and Opera, even though browsers such as Apple’s Safari have adopted a cautious stance on adopting crypto features.
Jorgen Arnesen, executive vice president of Mobile at Opera, informed Cointelegraph that Google, the operator of the world’s most popular browser, Chrome, has not restricted crypto extensions and other related tools on its browser.
Brave does not regard Telegram as a competitor
The Open Network (TON), a Telegram-based blockchain platform, experienced significant development in 2024. This growth was facilitated by introducing many users to cryptocurrency through Mini Apps such as Hamster Kombat and Notcoin.
Additionally, Telegram supports a variety of crypto wallets, enabling users to select between self-custodial and custodial wallet solutions for the direct storage of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin on the messenger.
Brave’s vice president of business operations, Luke Mulks, stated to Cointelegraph, “We view the adoption of crypto on Telegram as a natural fit, as it is a major hub for crypto communication.”
Telegram’s cryptocurrency surge indicates a demand for cryptocurrency and additional application opportunities among a broader audience. However, he maintained that this is not a threat or competition to browsers.
Mulks observed that Brave has been compatible with numerous crypto features of Telegram, including an integrated wallet and earning opportunities, for an extended period.
“We don’t see browsers as being left behind. The browser is the gateway to the web, including Web3. Our focus has been from a higher level, how we can integrate stronger security and Web3 use cases into the Web2 world.”
The adoption of crypto on the web is robust
Opera’s Arnesen expressed a viewpoint comparable to the adoption of crypto by Telegram in comparison to the adoption of crypto by web browsers.
“Despite the undeniable impact of Telegram’s TON blockchain and projects such as Hamster and Notcoin, we think that web-based crypto adoption is on the brink of surpassing these remarkable advancements,” he stated.
In 2024, the Chrome browser, which has 3.45 billion users, “fostered a thriving ecosystem of crypto extensions and tools, empowering users to interact with crypto directly within their browser,” Arnesen added.
The TON ecosystem has expanded beyond Telegram
Alena Shmalko, the ecosystem head for the TON Foundation, stated to Cointelegraph that the TON Foundation does not regard Telegram as the exclusive platform for its engagement despite Telegram being the home of the TON ecosystem.
“Telegram is merely one of the distribution channels for TON-based projects, despite its substantial user base of over 950 million,” Shmalko stated.
“We’re working around the clock to foster a decentralized ecosystem where the most exciting Web3 products on TON are accessible through whichever method the end-user wants to engage with most — whether that’s as a web app, a Telegram Mini App, or even as a Chrome extension.”
In France, Pavel Durov, the messenger’s founder and CEO, is under investigation despite the TON Foundation endeavoring to broaden TON’s influence beyond Telegram.
Telegram’s founder, Durov, is facing a maximum of 10 years in prison after French prosecutors accused him of facilitating a platform that enables “illicit transactions.”