Buterin proposes using ZK proofs to make X’s algorithm transparent

He suggested using blockchain and zero-knowledge proofs so that every action taken by the algorithm — from reducing reach to ordering the feed — can be audited without exposing personal data.

According to Buterin, X should log all likes, reposts, and timestamps on-chain to prevent hidden moderation or retroactive manipulation of interaction history. He also proposed publishing the algorithm’s code with a one- to two-year delay to preserve competitive advantages while ensuring long-term transparency.

The proposal comes as Buterin continues to criticize how platform owner Elon Musk governs X. He argued that the platform cannot present itself as a “global symbol of free speech” while functioning as a tool for coordinated harassment campaigns. Excessive centralization of control over ranking and moderation, he said, undermines open dialogue.

In the discussion beneath his post, members of the Ethereum ecosystem noted that X’s algorithm should be not only transparent but also understandable — allowing users to see what shapes their content’s visibility and adjust their settings accordingly.

Buterin also pointed out that the crypto community has long been wary of centralized platforms, especially when they control information flows. He argued that SocialFi tools should not be viewed as replacement networks but as technologies that can make existing platforms safer and more trustworthy.

Mounting regulatory scrutiny adds weight to his remarks. The European Commission recently fined X €120 million for transparency violations, sparking another round of political debate. Buterin had previously spoken out against what he described as “unhealthy rhetoric” and criticized the surge of anti-EU posts — comments that became a separate topic of discussion in crypto media.

This time, he focused on technology rather than politics: cryptography, he said, can solve X’s core problem — opaque control over what users see.