Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin stated on January 10 that Bitcoin maximalists were generally accurate about digital autonomy, contending that the current online landscape has shifted toward corporate rule that subtly undermines user authority.

His comments frame sovereignty as not just resisting government control, but as a broader struggle to safeguard privacy, attention, and independence from profit-driven platforms.

From the Open Web to the Sovereign Web

Buterin’s remarks were in reaction to a January 1 post by X user Tom Kruise, who predicted an upcoming division of the internet into three tiers: an ‘open web,’ a tightly controlled ‘fortress web,’ and a smaller, encrypted ‘sovereign web’ based on trust. Buterin expressed agreement with about 60% of this perspective, pointing out a crucial yet overlooked distinction between user-driven platforms and what he referred to as ‘corposlop.’

He labeled corposlop as a blend of corporate influence with refined branding, acting against user interests through practices like engaging social feeds, extensive data harvesting, and closed platforms that prevent linking to competing services.

According to Buterin, while these systems may seem beneficial at first glance, they gradually rob users of their choices. He noted that early Bitcoin advocates perceived this threat long ago, resisting ICOs and alternative tokens to maintain Bitcoin’s independence absent corporate motivations. However, he argued that their approach erroneously depended on strict limitations or state pressure rather than instruments that enhance user freedom.

He has recently spotlighted major platforms’ flaws, having issued a warning in December about X evolving into a hub for hostility and algorithmic outrage. Earlier, he had voiced concerns regarding a geo-label feature that he asserted could endanger vulnerable users through minor location leaks.

What Building the Sovereign Web Could Look Like

Looking forward, Buterin outlined his vision for a user-centric internet, prioritizing applications that are local-first, social media platforms allowing users to determine their content visibility, and financial tools discouraging undue risk. He further endorsed open and privacy-oriented AI systems that assist rather than replace human efforts.

Zac Williamson, founder of privacy-centric blockchain Aztec, resonated with these sentiments, suggesting in previous discussions that the attention economy has eroded shared comprehension and commodified users. Although he warned of inevitable conflicts and necessary compromises in altering incentives, he affirmed that cryptography and decentralized systems present a viable future.

Nevertheless, some voices within the community remain skeptical. Mark Paul expressed that crypto commenced as an alternative to corporate-centric technology, yet often mirrors it, although he proposed that the industry may eventually outgrow this phase.

For Buterin, the current challenge transcends technology—it’s a cultural undertaking focused on developing systems that uphold privacy, resist manipulation, and empower individuals to act independently. His final message was straightforward: reject systems that undermine agency, and champion technology that reinstates user control.