TON Foundation Archives

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Technology behind private messaging app Telegram names Maximilian…

The TON Foundation will announce Maximilian Crown as its new CEO on Thursday. This appointment aims to stabilize Telegram, which has a user base of one billion, following the arrest of its founder Pavel Durov in Paris last year. Crown's leadership is seen as a significant step for Telegram, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its multi-functional app amid governmental pressures to access user data. Crown has experience as CFO and COO of MoonPay and has successfully secured operational approvals across various countries. Telegram has transformed into a “Super App,” integrating features such as gaming, shopping, and payment functionalities. The Telegram Open Network (TON) has 41 million active accounts and 121 million Toncoin holders. Toncoin's value is tied to Telegram's fortunes, experiencing fluctuations following Durov's arrest. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of French authorities' actions on Telegram’s blockchain initiatives, especially related to digital privacy and government oversight. Durov was detained for 96 hours and criticized the scrutiny faced by Telegram, warning against legislative efforts that threaten individual freedoms.

AppWizard

August 10, 2024

Telegram messaging app transforms into blockchain innovator

Telegram, launched in 2013 by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, began as a messaging app and later integrated with the TON blockchain, aiming to transform digital transactions. The TON blockchain's development started with a whitepaper in 2018, and Telegram raised approximately .7 billion through a private sale of its native Gram token. In October 2019, the SEC filed a complaint against Telegram for conducting an unregistered securities offering, leading to a court ruling in March 2020 that halted the distribution of Gram tokens. Telegram subsequently abandoned the project in May 2020 but supported the independent development of TON, which was rebranded as The Open Network. In September 2023, Telegram integrated the TON Space wallet and introduced a revenue-sharing system in Toncoin. By May 27, 2024, the total value locked on TON surpassed billion. Telegram has become a hub for the crypto community, facilitating discussions and collaborations. It launched an in-app browser and a mini app store, with popular mini-apps like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat attracting millions of users. Telegram has raised billion through bond issues since 2021 and is exploring a potential IPO by 2025.

AppWizard

July 9, 2024

Rise of Telegram-friendly chain spurs talk of crypto super app

The TON blockchain project, with ties to Telegram Messenger, has seen a surge in value and popularity this year, with its token breaking into the top 10 by market capitalization. Despite previous regulatory issues, TON's performance has rekindled hopes that Telegram may evolve into a "super-app" incorporating social interactions, gaming, and financial tools. The project is focusing on payments and remittance, with enhanced security measures such as new KYC and AML checks being enforced.