Vitalik Buterin Warns Musk: X Could Backfire as a Hate-Fueled Platform

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has cautioned Elon Musk that X’s shift from a free speech platform to one enabling “coordinated hate sessions” is detrimental to the cause of free speech.

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Key Points

Buterin warns that X’s shift toward hate-driven content could undermine free speech.
He observes that European online discourse has become “unhinged” and sometimes coordinated.
Buterin urges that algorithmic controls be used to encourage positivity, not amplify harmful content.

“I think you should consider that making X a global totem pole for Free Speech, and then turning it into a death star laser for coordinated hate sessions, is actually harmful for the cause of free speech,” Buterin wrote in an X post, following a previous post discussing the public discourse around Europe’s geopolitical role. “I’m seriously worried that huge backlashes against values I hold dear are coming in a few years’ time,” he added.

In his previous post, Buterin noted that public discussions about Europe, including remarks from individuals he once considered “interesting and sophisticated,” have become “unhinged,” driven by increasingly aggressive online narratives. While he recognized valid criticisms of the EU, such as GDPR “clickthroughs” and “Chat Control” policies that need reform, Buterin warned that the tone and coordination of these attacks point to deeper risks.

“The apocalyptic attitude about the issues, evoking imagery of barbarians pillaging Rome etc, seems really over the top. It feels more like a coordinated attempt to delegitimize than constructive criticism,” Buterin wrote.

Buterin’s comments on Musk and X’s direction sparked notable reactions from the online community. One X user, Micah Zoltu, asked whether Buterin was suggesting that X should implement direct or shadow censorship on the speech he referenced. Zoltu further questioned what alternative actions the Ethereum co-founder envisioned, emphasizing that censorship should not be the solution.

“He’s clearly actively tweaking algorithms to boost some things and deboost other things based on pretty arbitrary criteria,” Buterin wrote in response. He added that as long as the platform retains such powers, he would prefer them to be used to encourage positive interactions rather than amplify “ragebait,” without expanding their scope.

The exchange of views between Buterin and Musk emphasizes the broader tension social platforms face in balancing open expression with responsible moderation. As debates over X’s direction continue, industry observers say how the platform navigates these choices could set precedents for the future of online discourse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Buterin cautioned that turning X into a platform for “coordinated hate sessions” could harm free speech and lead to backlash in the coming years.

He highlighted public discussions about Europe becoming “unhinged,” fueled by aggressive online narratives, and noted that some attacks seemed coordinated rather than constructive.

He recommends the platform use algorithmic influence to boost positive interactions instead of amplifying “ragebait,” without expanding the scope of these powers.

MICHAELA

Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.

Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Daily is the official publication of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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