Vitalik Buterin Urges Blockchain Developers to Prioritize Human Freedom

At EthCC 2025, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin called on blockchain developers to focus on human freedom rather than just technical advancements. He warned that Web3 risks repeating Web2’s mistakes—where early ideals of openness were overshadowed by centralized control and censorship.

Key Takeaways

Freedom Over Tech for Tech’s Sake

Buterin emphasized that crypto’s roots lie in the Cypherpunk movement, which valued privacy, decentralization, and anti-censorship—not just financial gains.

Developers should ask: "Does my project truly empower users?"

Avoiding Web2’s Centralization Trap

Like early Web2 (e.g., Google, Meta), Web3 could lose its decentralized ethos if it overly caters to institutions.

Current Challenges

The crypto space is divided between "Suitcoiners" (seeking mainstream adoption) and Cypherpunk purists (upholding libertarian ideals).

Some Layer 2 solutions risk compromising user autonomy with upgradeable contracts.

Privacy by Default

Buterin pushed for IPFS-hosted frontends and "exit tests"—ensuring users retain control if projects fail.

The Path Forward

Blockchain’s true promise lies in individual sovereignty, not just scalability or profits. Buterin’s message is a timely reminder: technology should serve freedom, not the other way around.