Headline: Бутерин внедряет концепцию «враждебной интероперабельности» для защиты от технологических монополий Translation: Buterin Introduces Hostile Interoperability Concept to Protect Against Technological Monopolies

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, believes that the protection of society from the concentration of power is essential for safe technological advancement.

In the article «Balance of Power,» the author identifies three power centers: the state, corporations, and uncontrolled civil society. The programmer posits that while humanity values the progress provided by these institutions, it also fears their excessive strengthening.

The monopolization of power threatens personal freedoms and leads to social instability and a «soulless» cultural homogenization.

Previously, two natural mechanisms supported this balance:

*»If we envision a leader as a cheetah and the pursuers as turtles, the first force acts as the internal brake of the cheetah, while the second serves as an invisible spring pushing the turtle forward,»* Buterin explained.

However, in the 21st century, both mechanisms have weakened due to globalization, automation, and the emergence of proprietary systems.

*»The result: the restrictions on growth are increasing while the diffusion of control is declining. Yes, the exchange of ideas on the internet has accelerated, but the real ability to influence key systems has become more centralized than ever,»* the programmer emphasized.

As a solution, Buterin proposed the concept of «coerced diffusion» — the intentional spread of control over technologies. This toolkit includes implementing unified standards (like the USB-C in the European Union), abolishing non-compete agreements, and using copyleft licenses.

A crucial component of this strategy should be «hostile interoperability.» This approach enables the creation of products that operate over popular platforms, circumventing their restrictions. Developers can thus reclaim control over the interface and return power to the user.

Examples of implementation:

*»In the Web2 model, platforms primarily capture value through monopoly over the interface and user experience. Creating compatible yet alternative interfaces undermines this monopoly,»* Buterin explained.

In his view, decentralization is not an abstract idea but rather a working principle that should be ingrained in the architecture of any platform from the outset. The programmer stressed that developers should consider not only financing but also governance structure:

*»Any serious project must develop not only a business model for funding but also a decentralization model — mechanisms that prevent power from concentrating within the project, thereby creating related threats.»*

He cited the Lido pool as an example of conscious decentralization. Despite controlling 24% of staked ETH, it does not pose a threat to the network due to distributed governance through DAO and numerous independent operators.

Buterin also highlighted the concept of d/acc — the development of open protective technologies. He believes this approach helps ensure system security while avoiding total centralization.

It’s worth noting that in October, Geth client developer Peter Szilagyi pointed out the concentration of power around Buterin, stating that the rules of the entire ecosystem depend significantly on the programmer’s views.

At the same time, Polygon head Sandeep Nailwal announced a crisis of loyalty to the leadership of the second-largest cryptocurrency network.