Telegram Expands with TON Wallet Integration Inside the Messenger
The Telegram team is rolling out a new crypto wallet feature that will let users exchange TON digital currency directly within the messaging app. The update was announced on Telegram’s official channel by the platform’s founder, Pavel Durov.
A staged global rollout is planned for November 2023, but some users may already notice a new wallet section appearing in the app’s settings. Durov noted that the cryptocurrency wallet will be accessible in most regions, with the exception of the United States and a few other countries where regulatory or policy considerations may apply.
The move to develop an in‑app blockchain service follows the success of the Fragment platform, introduced last year, which enables users to buy and sell nicknames within Telegram using TON. Durov highlighted that Fragment has seen substantial activity, reporting a turnover close to 120 million dollars over nearly a year of operation.
According to Durov, the Telegram team intends to integrate blockchain technology more deeply into the platform. He stated that collaboration with members of the TON community helped to incorporate the TON Wallet as a mini application inside Telegram, enabling seamless wallet functionality without leaving the chat experience.
In related context, a former member of the Russian parliament has commented on why Telegram channels remain accessible in Russia despite broader restrictions on the service elsewhere. This discussion underscores ongoing debates about digital communications, platform governance, and regulatory landscapes across different jurisdictions. [Attribution: Telegram founder statements and public policy commentary]