Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has declared that 2024 will go down in history as the year of blockchain mass adoption. In a recent message on his Telegram channel, Durov emphasized that the messaging platform is at the epicenter of this societal transformation and is rolling out new features to accelerate adoption.
Mini App Store and Web3 Browser
Durov announced that this month, Telegram will launch a mini app store and an in-app browser with support for Web3 pages. These tools are designed to lower the entry barrier for blockchain ecosystems, allowing hundreds of millions of users to interact with decentralized applications directly within Telegram. This builds on Durov's earlier vision from November 2022, when he outlined plans to create non-custodial wallets and decentralized exchanges to facilitate secure cryptocurrency transactions.
Enhanced Anti-Scam Measures and Transparency
To combat fraud in the crypto space, Telegram is stepping up its efforts. Durov stated that the platform will soon display the registration month and primary country for public accounts (similar to Instagram). Additionally, organizations will be able to use mini apps to issue labels for channels, establishing a decentralized marketplace for third-party verification. This move aims to build trust among new entrants into the cryptocurrency realm.
User Base Surpasses 950 Million, Heading Toward 1 Billion
Durov also revealed that Telegram's monthly active users have reached 950 million, a significant increase from 900 million in the spring. The platform is now on track to surpass the 1 billion user milestone in the near future. He reiterated that with advancements like the Open Network (TON), the blockchain industry can fulfill its mission of empowering individuals and eliminating the need for centralized intermediaries.
Durov's announcements underscore Telegram's strategic push into Web3. By integrating a mini app store, a Web3 browser, and verification tools, Telegram aims to become one of the largest gateways to the blockchain world. What are your thoughts on Telegram's new initiatives? Let us know in the comments below.