Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined a strategy against technology monopolization centered on distributing control and creating bypass interfaces. The plan's main elements include the concept of "forced diffusion" and the key tool—"hostile interoperability." He also emphasizes that decentralization must be built into project architecture from the start, not added later.
The Threat of Monopolization According to Buterin
Buterin identifies three centers of power: the state, corporations, and uncontrolled civil society, warning of the risk of imbalance among them. He believes mechanisms that previously restrained excessive power concentration have weakened, increasing threats to freedoms and cultural homogenization. As a result, control over key systems has become more centralized, requiring architectural responses in technology.
The Concept of "Forced Diffusion"
As a solution, Buterin proposes intentionally spreading control over technologies to restore balance and reduce monopolistic influence. This concept's toolkit includes several simultaneous and complementary directions:
- implementation of unified standards (e.g., USB-C in various regions);
- abolishing non-compete agreements that restrict talent and technology movement;
- using copyleft licenses to maintain openness of developments and their free distribution.
"Hostile Interoperability" as a Key Tool
The strategy's key element is creating compatible but alternative interfaces that can operate over closed platforms and bypass their restrictions. In the Web2 model, platforms often monopolize value by controlling interfaces and user experience. According to Buterin, creating replacement interfaces undermines such monopolies. This approach returns some control from platforms back to end users and developers.
Decentralization in Practice
Buterin stresses that decentralization must be part of project architecture: developers should consider not only funding but also governance structure. As an example of conscious decentralization, he cites the Lido pool, which controls 24% of staked ETH but operates through distributed governance via a DAO and many independent operators. More on the network's goals can be found in the article about Ethereum's objectives.
Criticism and Challenges
Implementing such ideas faces criticism and practical difficulties. Geth client developer Peter Szilágyi pointed to power concentration around Buterin, noting that ecosystem rules largely depend on his opinions. Polygon CEO Sandeep Nailwal expressed similar concerns about a loyalty crisis toward network leadership. These remarks highlight that the fight against centralization also requires attention to power distribution within communities.
Why This Matters
For miners, any centralization in the ecosystem means greater dependence on a few services and interfaces through which management and monetization flow. Even if you operate a small farm, decisions about standards, compatibility, and project governance can affect tool availability, fees, and ways to interact with services.
Buterin's proposed mechanisms aim to reduce such risks: they work not only ideologically but also through practical measures—standards, licenses, and compatible interfaces—that can provide more options for interacting with the ecosystem and lessen dependence on a single control point. Related criticism and infrastructure discussions can be found in the article on cloud services criticism.
What to Do?
If you have from one to a thousand devices and mine in Russia, it's useful to focus on practical steps that don't require complex changes to your farm's operation. The following actions help reduce operational and political risks linked to centralization:
- diversify service providers and pools to reduce dependence on a single operator;
- if using staking services, consider the provider's governance distribution (e.g., DAO models);
- monitor compatibility and open standards in software and hardware to have interface alternatives;
- participate in or observe governance of projects you use to understand decision-making processes;
- regularly back up and document configurations to be ready to switch services without data loss.