Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently shared his vision for a more independent and user-controlled internet, which he calls the “Sovereign Web.” In a detailed post on Farcaster, Buterin explained why we need privacy-first tools, user-controlled social platforms, ethical finance, and open-source AI to break free from today’s corporate-dominated digital world.

Buterin introduced the term “corposlop” to describe how big companies combine flashy branding with shady practices that often hurt users. These corporations focus on making profits while pretending to care about users. For example, social media apps are designed to keep users hooked by triggering dopamine responses. At the same time, these platforms collect massive amounts of personal data, often mismanaging it or selling it without proper consent.

He acknowledged that Bitcoin maximalists were among the first in the crypto world to call out this kind of behavior. Their resistance to things like ICOs and altcoins was rooted in protecting Bitcoin’s core values. However, they relied too much on government rules and kept Bitcoin’s functionality limited on purpose.

Buterin broke down “corposlop” into three key parts:
1. Corporate optimization – always chasing profits.
2. Polished branding – designed to look trustworthy.
3. Unethical behavior – like manipulating user attention or blocking competition.

He criticized platforms that trap users in “walled gardens” by charging high fees and preventing links to outside content. Entertainment companies that endlessly recycle the same stories also fall into this trap, prioritizing profit over creativity.

He also pointed out how some companies use social justice messages when it’s trendy, only to mock those same causes later for clicks. These behaviors may seem user-friendly but actually take away real control from people.

Buterin gave Apple a mixed review. While the company has strong privacy policies and long-term vision, it still acts like a monopoly in some ways. He hopes Apple moves toward more open and user-friendly systems.

To make the Sovereign Web a reality, Buterin proposed several solutions:

– **Privacy-preserving apps**: Tools that limit how much data is shared with third parties.
– **User-controlled social media**: Platforms where people control what they see and don’t get manipulated by algorithms.
– **Ethical finance tools**: Services that help people grow wealth without encouraging risky debt or shady practices.
– **Open-source AI**: Artificial intelligence that runs locally, not in the cloud, and helps users learn rather than replacing them.
– **Decentralized communities**: DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) that support unique goals without being dominated by a few big players.
– **Private voting systems**: Voting mechanisms that protect privacy and go beyond just giving power to token holders.
– **Opinionated spaces**: Online platforms and real-life communities should reflect strong values and visions rather than trying to please everyone.

Buterin’s message is clear: the fight for digital freedom isn’t just about better technology. It’s also about resisting the cultural pressure to conform to corporate norms. He urges the crypto world to stay true to its values and keep pushing for tools and systems that give real power back to users.

Key concepts in Buterin’s vision include digital sovereignty, privacy-first tools, ethical finance, open-source AI, decentralized communities, and user empowerment in social media. The goal is a future internet where people—not corporations—are in control.