Telegram's Integration of Tether (USDT) to Unlock Crypto Convenience for 900 Million Users

Telegram, with its 900 million users, is set to introduce mini-apps and incorporate Tether (USDT) stablecoins, allowing seamless peer-to-peer interactions within the messaging app. This integration aims to introduce many users to cryptocurrency without them even realising it. Developers stand to benefit as well, with the ability to launch various business activities, including ecommerce, paywalled content, and games, on top of The Open Network's (TON's) layer-1 blockchain. According to Justin Hyun, the director of investments at TON Foundation, this move "unlocks the creator economy" within TON and Telegram, eliminating barriers associated with acquiring different types of cryptocurrencies or tokens. The convenience of accessing these products within the messaging app, without the need to download external applications, is expected to drive adoption. Notably, TON's global reach and native support for USDT could potentially circumvent local payment gateways and restrictions imposed by platforms like Google and Apple. This development represents a return to TON's original vision, which faced regulatory challenges in 2020 but was later revived by the TON Foundation in 2021.