Iran Firmly Rejects Telegram's Gram Cryptocurrency

Telegram, as many of you might know, is more than just a messaging app. It’s a platform where users engage in various topics and enjoy global communication. Interestingly, it also branched into cryptocurrency by introducing its own digital token.

Sadly, this move hasn't gone over well with everyone. The nation of Iran Iran, with its historically fraught relationship with digital currencies, sees Telegram's cryptocurrency as a threat, and officials are set on restricting access, citing concerns over potential illegal activities.

According to Javad Javidnia, who is part of Iran’s Criminal Content Definition Task Force, any individual caught using Telegram or its Gram cryptocurrency could face consequences under national security laws.

We’re Watching You

Besides the obvious reasons, Iranian officials argue that such a restriction also aims to protect the national economy. It seems like a heavy-handed approach, but those who ignore this directive might face serious repercussions.

Javidnia explains:

The official narrative suggests that one of the main motivations behind banning Telegram is the perceived economic threat posed by its activities—a concern that has largely been overshadowed amidst the country's political climate.

Is Telegram Facing Heat from Other Nations Too?

Iran isn’t alone in its concerns about Telegram; Russia also took action against it back in 2018 due to worries about its initial coin offering. This decision was based on Russian authorities' apprehensions about potential investment scams and the safety of their investors. Telegram's ICO managed to amass an impressive $1.7 billion, drawing significant attention.

Read: Iran's leaders are wary that Telegram's involvement in cryptocurrency might destabilize their national currency—especially given the sanctions from the U.S. and the resultant economic challenges.

Historically, Iran has maintained a skeptical stance against digital currencies, even cracking down on exchanges in 2018 as cryptocurrencies like bitcoin gained traction among locals.

Iran's Disdain for Digital Currencies isn't New

On the flip side, there has been talk for years about Iran developing its own state-controlled cryptocurrency to sidestep economic sanctions, although keeping competition at bay seems to be a priority.

Iran's central bank has consistently pushed for stringent measures on popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, hoping locals will adopt a state-backed digital currency exclusively. reportedly working with other Back in February, Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi from Iran's Ministry of Information and Communications Technology shared a Twitter update detailing plans for a new cloud-based national digital currency.

The Fight for Crypto Continues

2017 saw Iran momentarily block access to Telegram and Instagram due to widespread protests, with further restrictions imposed by Ayatollah Khamenei on government officials using Telegram.

Iran isn't the only outlier in terms of blockchain ambition. Venezuela, for instance, launched the Petro, supposedly oil-backed, leading to much debate and US sanctions.

Nick Marinoff, an experienced voice in the crypto realm, has been chronicling the industry since 2014, playing a key role at Money & Tech, Game Credits, Bitcoinist, and News BTC.

Dojima Network Envisions a Seamless Interoperable Web3 Landscape stories regarding Venezuela MEXC's 2024 Report: Celebrates a $100 Million Airdrop and Reaches 30 Million Active Users