Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is urging social media platforms to adopt cryptography and blockchain-based tools to improve transparency around how content is ranked and distributed.
In a post on X on Monday, Buterin said the platform could use zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) and blockchain technology to publicly verify that its content-ranking algorithm operates fairly. He revisited concerns he raised on Dec. 9, arguing that X’s current governance under owner Elon Musk has led to harmful outcomes:
“Elon Musk 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.“
Zero-knowledge proofs are cryptographic tools that allow someone to verify a claim without revealing the underlying information — such as confirming a user is over 18 without disclosing their identity. While Buterin did not spell out exactly which proofs his proposal would rely on, they would likely be used to demonstrate that content-ranking decisions comply with predefined rules or constraints, without exposing sensitive data or the full mechanics of the system.
Crypto’s push into social media
Buterin’s comments align with the broader ethos behind so-called SocialFi platforms — decentralized social networks built on blockchain technology. Although none have achieved mass adoption so far, traditional social media companies appear to be paying closer attention. In early 2025, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, blocked links to Pixelfed, a decentralized Instagram alternative, labeling them as spam and removing them. Similar accusations were made regarding the treatment of other Facebook competitors, including Mastodon.
The crypto community, historically skeptical of centralized control, has repeatedly raised concerns about how leadership decisions at major platforms can shape online discourse. When Elon Musk said in early January that X would prioritize “informative” or “educational” content, critics questioned who would define those standards and whether the policy could be used to marginalize certain viewpoints. Musk has also faced allegations of restricting premium features for users who disagree with him.
Buterin weighed in at the time, urging Musk to uphold free-speech principles and avoid banning users over differing opinions.
The broader societal impact of social media
Academic research has consistently pointed to the significant influence social media platforms have on society and democratic systems. A 2024 study suggested that access to Facebook may increase susceptibility to misinformation. More recently, Reuters reported that court filings indicated Meta shut down internal research into Facebook’s mental-health effects after finding evidence that its products contributed to harm. Participants who stopped using Facebook for a week reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness and social comparison.
Regulators have also stepped in. The European Union’s Digital Services Act mandates greater transparency around algorithmic parameters and requires platforms to assess and disclose risks stemming from their operations, including potential harm to civic discourse, elections and public security. The law also grants vetted researchers access to platform data to independently study systemic risks.
According to the European Commission, X’s failure to comply with these requirements — particularly around researcher access — contributed to a €120 million fine imposed earlier this month. Additional violations cited included insufficient transparency in the platform’s advertising repository and concerns that paid blue checkmarks could mislead users, since “verified” status can be purchased without meaningful identity checks.
