Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently Chia an updated perspective on the growing convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, openly opposing the "accelerate AGI at all costs" approach – that is, pushing general AI development extremely rapidly without the necessary safety barriers. According to Vitalik, the right path lies not in a race for computing power, but in building a positive AI ecosystem that places human freedom, privacy, and safety at its center, while leveraging the core principles of cryptocurrency and Ethereum.
In the context of AI being increasingly controlled by large technology corporations, Vitalik argues that blockchain can Vai as a crucial counterweight. He emphasizes the need to develop AI interaction tools that minimize trust, where users do not place all control in a single intermediary. The directions he mentions include using large-scale language models running locally on personal devices, AI API payment mechanisms protected by non-disclosure proofs, and verifiable proofs on the user side to ensure that AI-generated results are not manipulated behind the scenes.
Another key pillar in Vitalik's vision is positioning Ethereum as an "economic layer" for future AI interactions. As AI agents not only serve humans but can also communicate, coordinate, and transact with each other, blockchain can provide a neutral infrastructure for staking, guaranteeing, building reputation, and coordinating behavior. According to him, Ethereum, with its decentralized nature and high programmability, can become the platform for AI-to-AI systems to operate transparently, responsibly, and without dependence on a single center of power.
Notably, Vitalik also sees the potential of large language models in realizing the "cypherpunk" vision that the cryptocurrency community has pursued since its early days. When combined with trustless verification mechanisms, AI is no longer just a "black box" but can become a tool to support systems without third parties, where users can independently verify logic, data, and results. This is particularly important in the context of many governments, including the US administration under President Donald Trump's new term, increasing their interest in regulating AI alongside promoting technological innovation.
