Vitalik Buterin Urges Crypto Builders to Restore Digital Sovereignty

Vitalik Buterin calls on the crypto industry to focus on building tools that protect personal freedom, not risky finance. 

In a recent public discussion, he said blockchain technology should empower users, protect privacy, and support long-term growth rather than short-term speculation.

Vitalik Buterin Calls for a Web Where Users Have Real Control

Buterin drew a clear line between an open web and a sovereign web. He explained that while the open web allows access, the sovereign web gives users real control. 

He pointed out that Bitcoin (BTC) supporters understood this difference early on. They opposed token launches and complex financial products to protect user independence and avoid profit-driven systems.

According to Buterin, the challenge has now expanded in the crypto space. Today, large companies shape behavior, capture attention, and extract value at scale. True sovereignty now requires strong cryptography to protect privacy and defenses against manipulation designed to drain time, focus, and money.

Buterin called on developers to focus on privacy-first applications that store data locally and reduce exposure to third parties. He also encouraged the creation of wealth-building tools that avoid extreme leverage, gambling-style features, and unnecessary debt for daily spending. 

The Warning Against AI and Tech

His message extended beyond crypto to artificial intelligence (AI). Buterin said AI tools should be open, protect privacy, and help people, and not replace them. 

He warned against over-relying on automation and losing human judgment. Instead, he supported tools that boost productivity while keeping people in control. 

He also urged decentralized groups to stay independent, warning that many end up influenced by the same powerful players.

To preserve originality and purpose, he suggested governance systems that protect privacy and reduce overreliance on token-based voting.

He described a growing problem where companies use strong optimization, polished branding, and profit-driven behavior that conflicts with user interests. 

Furthermore, Buterin criticized closed ecosystems that limit interoperability, using major tech platforms as a case study. At the same time, he acknowledged that some of these companies show long-term thinking and care for privacy. 

Focus on User Control and Long-Term Value

He urged developers and investors to put energy into platforms that give users control over content and align with long-term goals rather than instant gratification. 

This call for sovereignty follows Buterin’s recent technical focus on scaling Ethereum responsibly. He believes increasing data capacity is more important than making small speed improvements. 

Recent updates have made the network more active, using tools like zero-knowledge tech and better data sharing. At the same time, Buterin has supported developers of privacy tools who are facing legal pressure.

This shows a wider fight to protect core crypto values like open development, privacy, and personal freedom as regulations increase.