Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin Responds to ChatGPT Security Warning

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has spoken out after a warning that ChatGPT could be used to steal private user data. The warning came from software engineer Eito Miyamura, who carried out a test showing how the tool can be tricked into exposing personal information.

How the Security Issue was Discovered

Miyamura, a graduate of Oxford University, shared his findings after the latest update to ChatGPT. The update introduced support for Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools. This change allows the system to connect with services such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Microsoft SharePoint.

While this link makes daily tasks easier, Miyamura and his team quickly saw a risk. They tested a method where an attacker sends a calendar invite that hides a special command. If the recipient accepts the invite and later asks ChatGPT to check their schedule, the tool will read the command inside the invite. From there, it can be controlled by the attacker.

The test showed that ChatGPT could then search through emails and send private details to the attacker’s account. Miyamura explained that the danger lies not in complex hacking but in how simple the trick can be. 

Additionally, he warned that people often click “approve” without thinking, which makes this kind of attack more likely. He called it a reminder that even trusted tools can be fooled in basic ways.

Vitalik Buterin’s Reaction

Vitalik Buterin responded to the warning with his own strong opinion. He dismissed current “governance” ideas as too naive. In his view, giving such systems control over important tasks like funding would only invite trouble. Hackers, he said, would quickly find ways to drain money from users.

Instead, Buterin offered another path. He suggested what he called “info finance.” This would be an open market where different systems are put forward and checked. 

If someone suspects a problem, they could trigger a review. A group of human judges would then decide if the concern is valid. Buterin argued that this open model would give better protection and encourage careful oversight.

Growing Concern about Privacy Risks

The exchange between Miyamura and Buterin highlights a larger debate. More digital assistants are being tied to personal accounts, making privacy a growing concern. ChatGPT is now able to reach into calendars, emails, and work tools, which creates both convenience and risk.

Notably, as these tools become part of daily life, experts warn that simple tricks, rather than advanced attacks, may pose the biggest threat. The discussion shows that while technology can bring efficiency, it must also be handled with caution.

In a separate development, Grayscale has launched the Ethereum Covered Call ETF (ETCO), giving investors exposure to Ethereum while generating income. The fund expands the firm’s income-focused crypto products.