Vitalik Buterin envisions Ethereum as the foundational infrastructure for a truly decentralized artificial intelligence ecosystem. His perspective shifts the conversation from merely accelerating the development of advanced AI to ensuring that these powerful systems are built and operated in a manner that protects human autonomy and prevents the concentration of power, whether in the hands of machines or a select few institutions.
Redefining AI's Purpose
Buterin challenges the notion of "working on AGI" as an ultimate goal, viewing it as potentially prioritizing power over genuine purpose. Instead, he advocates for an AI trajectory that fundamentally safeguards individuals and society. This means actively designing AI systems that do not lead to a future where humans cede control, either to the intelligence itself or to the centralized entities that might wield it. His focus is on fostering an environment where AI serves humanity by enhancing safety, privacy, and verifiable interactions.
Ethereum's Foundational Role
In this future, Ethereum is posited as the essential support infrastructure. One key role involves empowering individuals to interact with AI in secure and private ways, such as leveraging local AI models, facilitating anonymous payments, and critically, verifying the actions of AI systems rather than relying on blind trust. Furthermore, Ethereum would function as a shared economic layer, enabling AI programs to conduct transactions, post deposits, and build reputation in a decentralized manner, free from central authority. This integration also holds the promise of revitalizing and making practical some older, ambitious crypto ideas from the past, by combining them with the capabilities of modern AI and zero-knowledge proofs.
