Vitalik Warns EU DSA Could Threaten Digital Pluralism

• Buterin criticizes the DSA’s “no-space” approach, stressing algorithmic amplification is the main threat to online pluralism.
• He advocates transparency, competition, and zk-proof verified algorithms to empower users while limiting harmful content spread.
• Increased DSA oversight boosts interest in privacy-focused crypto tools like Monero and Zcash to protect anonymity and data.

Vitalik Buterin has warned that the European Union’s Digital Services Act could reduce online pluralism by attempting to leave “no space” for controversial content. Speaking on X, the Ethereum co-founder criticized the approach as anti-pluralistic, emphasizing that open societies must tolerate disagreement. He highlighted that the key risk lies in algorithmic amplification, not the existence of fringe opinions.

What the “No-Space” Approach Means

The Digital Services Act applies to all online platforms reaching EU users, regardless of size or location. According to EU law, obligations scale with service reach and risk, forcing platforms to moderate content under strict liability.

Buterin stated that trying to fully remove ideas perceived as harmful can lead to overreach and conflict. He argued that algorithms pushing content at scale are the real concern, rather than the content itself.

Vitalik Advocates User Empowerment and Transparency

Buterin called for empowering users instead of imposing heavy-handed controls. He suggested transparency in platform algorithms, noting that publishing algorithms with zk-proof verification could build trust.

He also highlighted the need for competition, drawing parallels to USB-C standardization improving interoperability. These measures aim to reduce harmful amplification while maintaining pluralistic online spaces.

Privacy and the Crypto Connection

The DSA’s design has reinforced interest in privacy assets such as Monero and Zcash, as users seek tools that operate outside centralized control. Vitalik emphasized that privacy-preserving analytics can help identify which communities amplify certain messages, without banning anonymity. He noted that stronger oversight might increase user awareness of data exposure, underlining the importance of privacy-focused technology adoption.