Vitalik advocates for protective technology, Ethereum refuses to become the next Google

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin issued an important statement on social platform X, setting the future direction for Ethereum. Facing concerns over expanding global government regulation and corporate monopolies, he called on blockchain developers not to blindly pursue becoming the next Apple or Google. Instead, the Ethereum ecosystem should focus on building “Sanctuary Technologies” to protect users’ privacy and digital autonomy.

Vitalik abandons the giant model and establishes core technological values

In the article, Vitalik openly admits that over the past year, the public has been deeply concerned about two major issues: first, the worsening global situation, including government surveillance and corporate monopolies; second, Ethereum’s apparent absence in improving digital freedom and privacy. He states that in the face of global power expansion, Ethereum has failed to play a role in practically improving lives, which weighs heavily on the community. Conversely, tools like Starlink, open-source large language models (LLMs), and Signal are more aligned with the current urgent need for “liberation technology.”

Vitalik Buterin points out that the crypto industry should not be viewed solely as a tech sector pursuing “efficiency and flashiness.” He urges developers to abandon business models modeled after Apple or Google, to avoid over-commercialization that could compromise the original goal of decentralization. Ethereum’s core value lies in creating a shared digital space free from control by a single entity, ensuring users can maintain security and autonomy in their digital lives when facing external pressures.

Rejecting pure financial paths and the savior complex

Regarding future development, some voices suggest focusing entirely on the financial sector. However, Vitalik considers this argument too superficial. He emphasizes that a simple anti-devaluation financial system cannot address the deep concerns people have about how the world operates. He also reminds that Ethereum should not attempt to “save the world,” as overexpanding influence could turn it into a centralized political power projection, contrary to the essence of decentralization. Ethereum is not the only tool to solve global problems.

Establishing Sanctuary Technologies and de-totalization goals

To break through the current situation, Vitalik advocates that the community should position itself as building an ecosystem of “Sanctuary Technologies.” These open-source tools aim to resist external pressures, allowing the public to live and manage assets securely. He points out that the core goal is not to reshape the world with blockchain but to promote “de-totalization.” This means preventing any force from gaining absolute control over humanity and establishing a “digital safe haven” in chaotic times, fostering interdependence that cannot be weaponized.

Building ownerless digital spaces and full-stack ecosystems

Vitalik believes Ethereum’s role is to create ownerless “digital spaces” that provide durable social contracts, such as multi-signature wallets and governance structures. He urges the industry to abandon business thinking modeled after Apple or Google and instead focus on cultivating ownerless shared spaces. Future development should move toward a “full-stack ecosystem,” integrating AI applications upward and covering operating systems and hardware security downward. Ultimately, the ecosystem must precisely serve users in dire need of sanctuary technologies and work hand-in-hand with allies across sectors.

This article advocates Sanctuary Technologies; Ethereum refuses to become the next Google. First appeared on Chain News ABMedia.