The cost of a tokenized username in the Telegram messenger has skyrocketed — one of the early supporters of the TON blockchain purchased the name @crypto for $350,000 and recently received an offer to sell it for $25 million. Thus, the asset has appreciated 71 times.
This is reported by Finway
Digital Ownership on the Telegram Platform
Telegram founder Pavel Durov cited this example to emphasize the company’s unique approach to ensuring users’ rights to digital ownership. According to him, Telegram users have direct ownership of their digital assets, which opens up new opportunities for financial growth and identity protection.
“If these names cannot be taken from me, I want them all,” Pavel Durov quoted the owner of the name.
Durov also highlighted that Telegram differs from other major platforms in that it grants its users “an inalienable right to own their digital identities and assets.” This means that ownership of usernames is protected by TON smart contracts, which prevent confiscation or interference from third parties or intermediaries.
Innovations from TON Foundation and New Opportunities
The latest innovations from the TON Foundation also contribute to the development of the Telegram ecosystem. Now, users of the messenger in the USA have full access to the built-in TON Wallet, allowing them to store, receive, send, and withdraw cryptocurrencies directly within the app, without involving third-party services.
In April 2025, the TON Foundation, together with the Libre service, launched the Telegram Bond Fund with a capital of $500 million for the tokenization of Telegram’s debt, further demonstrating the strategy for developing digital financial instruments on the platform.