Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Criticizes Elon Musk Over X’s “Tone of Discourse” and Warns Against Silencing Dissenting Voices

Buterin Donates to Pertsev and Storm Legal Defense

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has criticized Elon Musk, owner of X, over the platform’s “tone of discourse” and warned against silencing dissenting voices.

In a December 31 post on X, Buterin responded to Musk, expressing admiration for his commitment to free speech but warning against the use of the “social media banhammer.”

“I admire your willingness to stand up and fight for freer movement of people, it's an important freedom that all too easily gets thrown under the bus.

That said I think it's valuable to turn down the temperature here, on both tone of discourse and the social media banhammer.”

Buterin’s remarks followed an explicit post by Musk on X, where Musk defended the rights of companies to employ immigrants in the United States under H-1B visa programs.

“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of surprising companies that made America strong is because of H1B,” Elon Musk wrote in response to a critic. The critic had accused Musk of attempting to optimize an allegedly non-existent issue regarding the H-1B visa program.

Musk drew backlash from some MAGA Republican supporters of President-elect Donald Trump after expressing support on X for hiring foreign tech workers at leading U.S. companies. Critics argued that such practices make job opportunities less favorable for American citizens.

Additionally, some conservatives accused Elon Musk of censorship, claiming his social media platform had removed premium features from accounts critical of his stance.

Buterin further advised Musk to be more wary of his tone and ensure that he used his power on X for the benefit of humanity. “And it’s worth reflecting on just how much tone of discourse has fallen here over the past couple of years,” he wrote.

Moreover, the prolific crypto innovator highlighted the critical influence that leaders hold in shaping discourse and setting the tone in public debates.

He concluded his response by stating that achieving humanity’s goals, such as reaching Mars, would not be accomplished through “wartime mode” but a “brighter” approach — one he urged society to embrace immediately.

Buterin Donates to Pertsev and Storm Legal Defense

Buterin is known for prioritizing the greater good in his contributions to technology and society. Since co-founding Ethereum, Buterin has been vocal about using blockchain technology to solve real-world problems, promote decentralization, and empower individuals. His focus often extends beyond profit, emphasizing ethics, inclusivity, and innovation.

Recently, he made a significant donation of Ethereum to the legal defense fund supporting Tornado Cash developers Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev. His support of the developers is likely rooted in his advocacy for decentralization and privacy within the blockchain ecosystem.

It is worth noting that Buterin himself has acknowledged using Tornado Cash for legitimate purposes, such as donating to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia, to protect recipient identities.

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 Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications 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.