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Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced concerns over criticisms directed at Ethereum’s stance on blockchain-based gaming applications. During a Wednesday AMA session on the chat app Tako, Buterin addressed user Mable Jiang’s inquiry about moments in the past year that left him frustrated or disappointed with the Ethereum Foundation, its community, or the industry. Jiang also asked if he had ever considered taking a break. In response, Buterin expressed his disappointment, particularly over criticisms that Ethereum is “bad and intolerant” for not embracing blockchain-based casinos as openly as other networks. “ Perhaps the most disappointing thing for me recently was when someone said that Ethereum is bad and intolerant because we don’t respect the ‘casinos’ on the blockchain enough, and other chains are happy to accept any application, so they are better.” He stated . Despite occasional online rants about the network, Buterin, however, noted he finds comfort in personal interactions with the Ethereum community, most of whom remain committed to the platform’s original values. “I have a responsibility to this community and cannot abandon them. We Ethereum need to work together to create the world we want to see,” he added. Buterin also suggested potential strategic shifts to enhance the network, emphasizing the need for structural improvements for the network and greater decentralization within the Ethereum Foundation. He noted that the foundation, which currently facing a backlash for lack of neutrality, might need to be less neutral at the application layer and take a more active role in supporting certain initiatives. “ This will require some changes,” he stated, adding , “But this project is worth doing.” Notably, Buterin’s response comes amid an ongoing debate in the blockchain space about balancing ethical considerations with open access. Some networks, like Solana, have taken a more permissive approach, welcoming applications across various sectors, including gambling and speculative ventures. However, this openness has also led to high-profile failures, such as the collapse of LIBRA, a meme coin on the Solana network. Recently, LIBRA collapsed, wiping out $4.5 billion in investor funds and causing a 15% drop in Solana’s value. Ethereum, in contrast, has long positioned itself as a network focused on decentralization, innovation, and long-term sustainability. These qualities have attracted institutional interest, with entities like BlackRock launching tokenized investment funds on the Ethereum network. Meanwhile, beyond his frustrations, Buterin remains actively engaged in Ethereum’s evolution, particularly its scalability through Layer 2 (L2) solutions. In January, he reaffirmed Ethereum’s commitment to scaling via L2s, identifying key challenges such as insufficient space for BLOB objects and L2 heterogeneity. He detailed upcoming upgrades, such as the Pectra update, which aims to enhance Ethereum’s transaction throughput with long-term goals, including achieving 100,000 transactions per second (TPS). He also underscored the importance of Ethereum’s economic model, advocating for ETH to serve as a “triple point asset,” functioning as a means of exchange, a consumable product, and a store of value. To strengthen Ethereum’s economic position, he proposed incentivizing L2 projects, optimizing rollup revenue structures, and adjusting BLOB pricing strategies.
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Will the Next Big AI Innovation Really Come From Pump.fun and Solana Meme Coins?

Pump.fun is a playground for degens to gamble on AI projects. But experts believe the meme coin platform won`t foster true AI innovation. ZyCrypto

Russia’s Power Grid Hit by Unauthorized Crypto Mining, Losing Over 1.3 Billion Rubles
Rosseti Group, Russia’s power grid company, reported losses exceeding 1.3 billion rubles – which is worth around $14.2 million – in 2024 due to unauthorized cryptocurrency mining operations, also known as “black” mining firms. As per a report by state-owned news agency TASS, damages were widespread across the company’s electrical networks. Illegal Mining Strains Russia’s Energy Grid The most significant impact was recorded in the North Caucasus region, which amounted to over 600 million rubles. The Novosibirsk grid suffered losses of 400 million rubles, while the Center and Volga region suffered damages amounting to 120 million rubles. The company highlighted the largest individual case in Novosibirsk, where an operator ran approximately 3,200 mining devices, illegally drawing electricity on an industrial scale and causing an estimated loss of 197 million rubles ($2.2 million). Rosseti stated that crypto-mining operations contribute to power grid congestion, leading to low voltage issues that can harm electrical appliances. So far, authorities have intercepted 130 instances of unauthorized power use, with more than 40 cases under criminal investigation, potentially leading to prison sentences. Monetizing Excess Capacity By Mining Bitcoin While unauthorized crypto mining has drained Rosseti’s resources through electricity theft, the group announced exploring cryptocurrency mining as a way to optimize underutilized power capacity just last month. The company said that its initiative aims to use idle power supply centers efficiently, boost tariff revenues, and contribute to regional economic growth through tax revenue. Given Rosseti’s extensive grid network, it has the capacity to coordinate mining infrastructure placement and connect energy consumers to underloaded power centers. Discussions are underway about the company’s potential entry into the mining industry, including strategies to stimulate demand at these sites. One key aspect under consideration is a specialized tariff system to regulate energy use efficiently. Rosseti also emphasized its advanced energy infrastructure, which includes modern switching equipment and load management systems designed to ensure power grid stability. This move aligns with the company’s broader goal of modernizing Russia’s electric grid and integrating emerging industries. Additionally, Kommersant had earlier reported that Rosseti’s CEO, Andrei Ryumin, has approached Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin for approval to oversee the development of mining centers. If granted, this initiative could position Rosseti as a major player in the crypto-mining sector, leveraging its infrastructure to turn excess electricity into a profitable venture while maintaining grid reliability. The post Russia’s Power Grid Hit by Unauthorized Crypto Mining, Losing Over 1.3 Billion Rubles appeared first on CryptoPotato . ZyCrypto