The Open Network (TON) has introduced a new on-chain encrypted messaging feature, allowing users to send private messages within the TON blockchain network. Developed by the TON Foundation, TON is a blockchain network that originated from code developed by the Telegram instant messaging app team. Although Telegram discontinued its involvement in the project in July 2020, the open-sourced TON code provided an opportunity for further development.
Previously, TON users could send messages as part of transactions, but these messages were publicly visible. With the new encrypted messaging feature, messages are now end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read them. This enhancement aims to personalize transactions while maintaining privacy and security.
Anatoly Makosov, a core developer at TON, highlighted that the feature allows users to personalize their transactions by attaching text such as “for coffee” or “happy birthday.” Furthermore, this encrypted messaging capability can serve as a reliable communication method during unforeseen events, such as server failures in traditional messenger systems.
Currently, several retail wallet apps, including MyTonWallet, OpenMask, and TON Wallet, support encrypted messages. Additionally, upcoming updates for the mobile wallet Tonkeeper will incorporate this feature, expanding accessibility across platforms.
In May, the TON Foundation launched a $25 million accelerator program aimed at encouraging developers to build applications on the TON network. Moreover, an independent development team previously created a Telegram trading bot to onboard users onto TON, showcasing the network’s potential beyond messaging functionality.