Telegram, the popular messaging platform, plans to introduce a mini-app store with support for Web3 pages, as announced by Pavel Durov, the company’s founder and chief executive. This move signifies Telegram’s deeper integration into the blockchain ecosystem, aiming to familiarize hundreds of millions of users with blockchain technology in 2024.
Key Features of Telegram’s Upcoming Launch
Mini-Apps and Payment Integration
The new mini-app store will host mini-apps that run within Telegram. These apps can be linked for payments with 20 different payment providers, enhancing the platform’s utility and convenience for users.
Web3 Support and In-App Browser
Durov announced that Telegram will launch an in-app browser with support for Web3 pages. This feature will allow users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) and Web3 content seamlessly within the Telegram environment.
Enhanced Security and Transparency
In an effort to combat scams and increase transparency, Telegram will implement several new features:
- Registration Date and Principal Country Display: Telegram will begin showing the registration month and principal country for public accounts, similar to Instagram, to help users identify trustworthy accounts.
- Decentralized Marketplace for Verification: Organizations will be able to use their mini-apps to issue labels for channels, creating a decentralized marketplace for third-party verification. This initiative aims to provide users with more information about the authenticity and reliability of different channels and services.
Commitment to Blockchain Integration
Durov highlighted that 2024 will be a pivotal year for blockchain awareness, with Telegram at the forefront of this societal transformation. By integrating Web3 support and enhancing user security, Telegram is positioning itself as a key player in the blockchain space.
Background and Context
Telegram was previously associated with the layer-1 blockchain Toncoin (TON). However, the company parted ways with the project in 2020 following a legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Since then, The Open Network, an open-source community of developers, has taken over the management of the technology. Despite the separation, TON can still be sent by Telegram’s 900 million users within the platform without requiring long wallet addresses.
Conclusion
Telegram’s upcoming mini-app store and Web3 support mark a significant step towards integrating blockchain technology into everyday use. With enhanced transparency, security measures, and a commitment to user education, Telegram aims to lead the way in familiarizing the masses with the opportunities and risks of the new digital world.
