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Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin made a passionate appeal to blockchain developers at the recent Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC), encouraging them to prioritize human freedom and social impact over mere technological advancement. In his keynote speech, Buterin warned that without a clear ethical foundation, Web3 could risk falling into the same pitfalls as its predecessor, Web2.
I. Reclaiming the Internet’s Founding Principles
1. From Cyberspace Freedom to Corporate Control
Buterin drew parallels between the ethos of the early internet pioneers of the 1990s and today’s blockchain innovators. He referenced John Perry Barlow, a well-known digital rights activist, who envisioned the internet as a domain of unregulated freedom and individual expression. However, Buterin observed that those ideals were ultimately lost in the Web2 era, where the internet evolved into tightly controlled ecosystems governed by major corporations.
These “walled gardens”, as he described them, were built by early tech founders who initially championed digital freedom but later embraced censorship and centralized control. He cautioned Web3 developers not to repeat those mistakes, reminding them that technological tools have social and moral dimensions that cannot be ignored.
2. A Call to Ethical Development
In a pointed message to the audience, Buterin posed a critical question to developers:
“If you are building something, the first question to ask is: Are you making your users free?”
He emphasized that those working with cryptographic tools must consider the broader consequences of their innovations. It’s not enough to create faster or more efficient technology — developers must also ask whether their work empowers individuals and upholds the values of privacy, autonomy, and liberty.
II. Cypherpunk Ideals vs Institutional Influence
1. The Cypherpunk Legacy
The origins of blockchain technology are deeply rooted in the cypherpunk movement, a community of developers and activists committed to using encryption to protect personal freedom. Emerging in the 1980s, cypherpunks played a pivotal role in defending the right to digital privacy against state-led restrictions, especially during the “Crypto Wars” of the 1990s, when the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) sought to control the spread of encryption technologies.
From the launch of Bitcoin in 2009 through to the early 2020s, the crypto ecosystem closely aligned with these values. Ideals like decentralization, censorship resistance, parallel systems, and libertarian principles were cornerstones of the blockchain narrative.
2. Rise of the “Suitcoiners”
As crypto assets skyrocketed in value and drew the attention of banks, multinational corporations, and state actors, the culture began to shift. A growing number of projects are now backed by institutional money, bringing with them the influence of corporate interests and government regulations.
This shift has led to a growing divide within the crypto community. Many long-time developers and early adopters now refer to these new players as “suitcoiners” — a term used to describe institutional actors more focused on profit and mainstream acceptance than on the original anti-establishment spirit of the movement.
This division has created tension between those who seek to scale crypto globally through partnerships and regulation, and those who remain committed to preserving the radical roots of the technology.
III. The Battle for the Soul of Web3
1. Growth vs Values
As blockchain technology matures, a central question looms: Can it grow without compromising its ideals? While increased adoption is essential for long-term success, critics argue that the original mission — to create a freer, more decentralized world — must not be sacrificed in the process.
The concern is that Web3 could become just another version of Web2, dominated by platforms that centralize power under the guise of innovation. Without a strong ethical foundation, blockchain could mirror the very systems it was meant to disrupt.
2. Developers as Guardians of Freedom
Buterin’s message serves as a reminder that software creators are also societal architects. The tools they design, the frameworks they build, and the infrastructure they maintain will determine whether Web3 lives up to its promise of freedom and inclusion.
“Cryptography is not just math and code,” he stressed. “It’s about people. It’s about power. And it’s about responsibility.”
His call to action highlights the importance of intentional design, where features like decentralization, anonymity, and user control are not optional add-ons, but fundamental priorities baked into the protocol from the start.
Conclusion
Vitalik Buterin’s EthCC keynote is a wake-up call for the blockchain community at a critical crossroads. As the industry continues to evolve and attract institutional attention, it faces the risk of abandoning the very ideals that made it revolutionary. Buterin’s challenge is clear: build technology that empowers users, respects privacy, and reinforces individual liberty.
Web3 has the potential to rewrite the rules of the digital world — but only if its builders choose to place freedom over functionality and principles over profits. As blockchain developers continue shaping the future of the internet, they must ask themselves not just what they are building, but why.
