TON Network Expands to Ethereum with Layer-2 Integration

Bridging the gap between the TON and Ethereum ecosystems this will give Ethereum developers access to Telegram’s extensive user base, making it easier to roll out real-world crypto applications.

Get ready for a game-changer! The Open Network (TON), in partnership with the renowned messaging app Telegram, is set to take its next big step. TON is entering the Ethereum ecosystem through a new Layer-2 network, promising to bring a boatload of decentralized applications (DApps) to its users.

On July 9th, the TON Applications Chain (TAC) and Polygon Labs announced a partnership that’s about to shake things up. They’re bringing Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) functionality to the TON ecosystem. How, you ask? By leveraging Polygon's Chain Development Kit (CDK) and the interoperability protocol Agglayer, they’re enabling EVM-compatible decentralized applications (DApps) on TAC.

Imagine bridging the gap between the TON and Ethereum ecosystems. Pavel Altukhov, CEO of TAC, says this will give Ethereum developers access to Telegram’s extensive user base, making it easier to roll out real-world crypto applications. Think about using DeFi applications, gaming, and decentralized identity solutions, all through Wallet in Telegram​.

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. In June, the number of daily active addresses on the TON network surpassed those on Ethereum. Yes, you read that right. With big names like Curve founder Michael Egerov and The Open Protocol (TOP) team, who integrate crypto wallet functionality within Telegram, this network is growing like wildfire​.

However, every rose has its thorns. The TON ecosystem has faced its share of security challenges, particularly phishing attacks. SlowMist founder Yu Xian pointed out that phishing links spread through Telegram's message groups, airdrops, and other deceptive methods. Users with anonymous numbers, not linked to SIM cards, are especially vulnerable. With Telegram’s massive user base—196 million daily active users and 800 million monthly active users—addressing these security issues is crucial​.

Looking ahead, the integration with Ethereum via the Layer-2 network is expected to drive significant growth and innovation within the TON ecosystem. By utilizing Polygon's technology, TON can offer a seamless experience for Ethereum developers and users, promoting the development and adoption of a wide array of DApps.