Vitalik Buterin Pushes Back on Web 4.0 as Autonomous AI Narrative Gains Traction

In Brief

• Web 4.0 envisions autonomous AI agents transacting and operating independently on the blockchain.
• Vitalik Buterin argues increasing AI autonomy without tighter human feedback loops raises alignment risks.
• The debate shows a divide between human-centric decentralization and machine-driven digital economies.

The idea of “Web 4.0”, an internet powered by autonomous, self-improving AI agents, is rapidly gaining attention across crypto and AI communities. But Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is not convinced the direction is healthy for humanity.

Responding to a Web 4.0 thesis circulating online, Buterin argued that “lengthening the feedback distance between humans and AIs is not a good thing for the world.”

His comments inject caution into a narrative that envisions AI systems operating with increasing autonomy on blockchain rails.

What Web 4.0 Actually Proposes

Web 4.0 allegedly represents the next phase of the internet. An autonomous web where AI agents are not just tools, but economic actors.

Moreover, the thesis suggests AI systems will earn revenue, self-improve, transact on-chain, and coordinate with other agents without continuous human input.

The framework describes a shift from human-centered platforms (Web 2.0) and decentralized infrastructure (Web 3.0) toward machine-driven networks.

In this model, AI agents possess digital identities, hold crypto wallets, execute smart contracts, and operate continuously in digital markets.

Additionally, Web 4.0 proponents argue that blockchains provide the trust-minimized settlement layer required for AI-to-AI commerce.

As AI systems become economically active participants in global finance, the thesis frames this developments as an inevitable evolution.

Brief video outlining details of the new Web 4.0 initiative. Source: Sigil (X)

Buterin’s Objection: Direction Over Acceleration

Buterin’s critique centers on alignment and control. He warned that increasing the “feedback distance” between humans and AI systems risks producing outputs that optimize for metrics detached from real human needs.

Similarly, he points out that many advanced AI systems remain controlled by centralized companies. Essentially, bringing risks that reinforce the centralization crypto seeks to resist.

For Buterin, the core mission of Ethereum is to empower humans. Not to create systems that operate independently of human oversight while societal conditions remain unchanged.

Furthermore, he acknowledged that exponential technological growth is likely unavoidable.

However, he emphasized that the responsibility of this era is not to accelerate exponentials further, but to choose their direction carefully and avoid “undesirable attractors.”

These views raise a deeper philosophical divide based on whether decentralized technology should primarily enhance human participation or support autonomous machine economies.

According to Vitalik Buterin, progress without alignment could come at a cost.