Telegram announced its new Gifts feature, allowing users to purchase presents for their friends.
These gifts can be displayed on the recipient’s profile or exchanged for virtual currency known as Telegram Stars.
Gifts and NFTs, how it’s working?
The Telegram Stars can be used to support creators or pay for services in mini apps. Users can send gifts through each contact’s profile, complete with customizable messages and emojis.
Some of these gifts will be available in limited quantities and will be converted into NFTs using Telegram’s own blockchain.
This means that users will be able to auction and trade these gifts outside of the app, with ownership securely recorded on the blockchain.
Corporate usage
Alongside the Gifts feature, Telegram also improved its verification service for businesses.
Companies can now send verification codes to customers for just $0.01 each using the Fragment platform.
This method is designed to be faster and more secure than traditional SMS verification systems.
The Gateway API is available for free testing, allowing developers to experiment with the system before fully implementing it.
Big brother
These updates come at a time when concerns about privacy and security on Telegram have been raised.
The founder Pavel Durov discussed worries about whether the platform cooperates with law enforcement. He revealed that Telegram started sharing information about criminal activities with authorities in 2018.
Despite this, Durov emphasized that Telegram’s privacy policies are designed to protect users and don’t support any illegal activities.
This statement follows an ongoing legal battle in France, where Durov faces six charges related to alleged illicit activities on Telegram, with bail set at $5.5 million.
