Vitalik Buterin Donates ETH to Encrypted Messaging Apps

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has made a significant move in support of digital privacy. He donated 128 ETH each to two leading encrypted messaging platforms, Session and SimpleXChat. These platforms are known for pushing the boundaries of private communication by eliminating centralized controls and preserving user metadata privacy.

The donation, valued at over $500,000 per project at current market rates, signals Buterin’s endorsement of decentralized communication tools. Both apps emphasize permissionless access and metadata-resistant communication, two core principles aligned with Ethereum’s vision of an open, censorship-resistant internet.

Why Session and SimpleXChat Matter

Session and SimpleXChat aren’t just any messaging platforms. They represent a new era of communication—free from surveillance, metadata collection, or reliance on centralized servers.

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  Session is built on the Oxen network and offers anonymous, decentralized chat using onion routing and no phone number requirements.
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  SimpleXChat takes a different approach by removing any traceable identifiers such as usernames or contact lists, even from the server side.

Buterin’s donation highlights the importance of tools that not only encrypt content but also shield users from metadata analysis, which can be just as revealing as the messages themselves.

Pushing for Permissionless Privacy

Buterin has long been vocal about digital privacy and decentralization. This recent move goes beyond words—it’s a financial vote of confidence in platforms pioneering new models of private, decentralized communication.

In a time when messaging services are often scrutinized for data sharing and surveillance, Buterin’s support may encourage more developers and users to explore platforms where privacy is a foundational feature, not just a selling point.