Vitalik Buterin says Bitcoin maximalists had been “far forward” in recognizing the rising risk to crypto sovereignty.
Ethereum’s co-founder warns that a lot of at present’s web has turn out to be what he calls “company sluggish.”
Buterin argues that actual sovereignty is now about defending privateness, consideration, and person management.
Vitalik Buterin gave Bitcoin maximalists one thing they hardly ever get from the Ethereum camp: credit score.
Ethereum co-founder has responded to a viral 2026-30 prediction submit discussing the cut up between the “open internet” and “sovereign internet.” Buterin firmly grasped this distinction and launched a brand new time period, “corporop,” which describes many of the issues with at present’s Web.
What’s a Corpo Slop?
Buterin mentioned this distinction helped her understand issues she hadn’t been capable of absolutely specific earlier than. He argued that what many nonetheless consider because the “open internet” is turning into one thing totally totally different.
He described Corpuslop as one thing like: “Company optimization energy” Refined branding and actions that appear admirable on the floor however exist purely to maximise income.
This consists of platforms that promote indignant and dopamine-hungry content material, huge information assortment, closed ecosystems that cost excessive charges, and trend-driven merchandise that really feel repetitive and empty. In his phrases, a corpuslop is “Homogeneity that follows traits is evil and uncool.”
Bitcoin Maxis noticed its arrival
Buterin acknowledged Bitcoin maximalist resistance to ICOs, altcoins, and token hypothesis. Their purpose was to maintain Bitcoin sovereign and outdoors of the corpus regulation system.
“I’ve to confess that the Bitcoin maximalists had been far forward of the curve.” he mentioned. “Their worry was actual.”
He opposes their strategies, particularly authorities enforcement and limiting Bitcoin’s technical capabilities. However the underlying considerations had been legitimate.
What does sovereignty imply now?
Buterin argued that sovereignty at present goes far past holding personal keys. Now, that features defending digital privateness, limiting company management of your consideration, and resisting programs designed to take advantage of your time, information, and cash.
“At this time, ‘sovereignty’ additionally means defending your digital privateness by way of encryption and defending your thoughts from company psychological warfare.” he wrote.
His message to builders and customers was direct and ideological. “Be Sovereign. Reject Corpuslaw. Consider in one thing.”
What this implies for cryptocurrency customers
The corposlop framework offers customers with filters to judge wallets, DEXs, and protocols. The query is easy. Does this product provide you with energy or draw energy from you?

