Vitalik Buterin Calls for a ‘Sovereign Web’ to Protect Privacy and User Autonomy

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has renewed his criticism of the modern internet, urging developers to build digital tools that prioritize privacy, independence, and long-term user well-being. In a January 10 post on social media platform X, Buterin argued that today’s web is dominated by corporate incentives that undermine user autonomy, and he called for a shift toward what he described as a “sovereign web.”

According to Buterin, much of the current internet ecosystem is shaped by what he labeled “corposlop,” a blend of polished branding and aggressive profit optimization that exploits users through psychological manipulation and excessive data extraction. He warned that major technology companies increasingly rely on dopamine-driven algorithms, manufactured outrage, and engagement-maximizing metrics that sacrifice meaningful value in favor of short-term attention. This approach, he said, creates a “soulless” and homogeneous digital environment that leaves users disempowered.

Buterin also criticized widespread mass data collection and the dominance of closed “walled garden” platforms. These systems often charge monopolistic fees, restrict interoperability, and give users the illusion of choice while limiting genuine control over their data and digital lives. In his view, such practices erode trust and concentrate power in the hands of a few large corporations.

Reframing the idea of digital sovereignty, Buterin noted that earlier debates focused mainly on resisting government censorship. Today, he argued, sovereignty must also include psychological autonomy—the ability for individuals to make independent choices free from manipulative design and extractive business models. True digital sovereignty, he said, requires cryptographic and privacy-preserving tools that defend users from corporate attempts to harvest attention and capital.

Interestingly, Buterin acknowledged that bitcoin maximalists were early proponents of this philosophy, particularly in their resistance to ICOs and complex financial applications that could compromise Bitcoin’s perceived neutrality and independence.

To achieve a sovereign web, Buterin outlined a clear vision: developers should build local-first, privacy-focused applications that reduce reliance on intermediaries, promote sustainable wealth creation without excessive leverage or speculation, and support open artificial intelligence systems that enhance human agency rather than encourage passivity. His message reinforces a growing call within the crypto and Web3 space for a more ethical, user-centric internet.