Vitalik Buterin Donates $760K to Boost Privacy in Messaging Apps

• Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin donates $760K in Ether to two privacy-focused messaging apps, Session and SimpleX Chat.
  
• Both apps focus on decentralization, removing phone numbers, and ensuring stronger metadata privacy for users.
  
• Buterin’s donation highlights the growing importance of privacy in the face of increasing global regulatory pressure.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has made a donation of approximately $760,000 in Ether to two decentralized messaging apps—Session and SimpleX Chat. This generous contribution underscores Buterin’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital privacy, particularly in an era where privacy rights are increasingly under threat.

Vitalik’s Vision for Digital Privacy and Decentralized Messaging

Buterin, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the cryptocurrency space, has long advocated for the importance of privacy in the digital age. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he explained that encrypted messaging apps like Signal play a crucial role in preserving privacy. According to Buterin, the future of these platforms should include permissionless account creation and enhanced metadata privacy—goals that Session and SimpleX Chat are actively working towards.

Encrypted messaging, like @signalapp, is critical for preserving our digital privacy. Two important next steps for the space are (i) permissionless account creation and (ii) metadata privacy.@session_app and @SimpleXChat are two messaging apps pushing these directions forward.…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) November 26, 2025

Both apps, designed to offer more secure and private messaging experiences, do not require users to provide phone numbers or use identifiable IDs. Session, for instance, eliminates the need for centralized servers, allowing for decentralized, private communication. SimpleX Chat takes a similar approach, ensuring that no personal data is linked to messages.

The Growing Threats to Digital Privacy

With governments worldwide tightening their control over digital communication, privacy-focused platforms face mounting challenges. The European Union’s proposed “Chat Control” regulation, for example, would mandate that messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal allow authorities to access users’ encrypted messages. These kinds of regulatory measures put private communication at risk, making Buterin’s support for decentralized alternatives all the more important.

Alexander Linton, president of the Session Technology Foundation, highlighted the significance of Buterin’s donation, noting that ongoing regulatory and technical challenges threaten the future of private messaging. He emphasized the importance of decentralization in maintaining the integrity of private communications, a principle that aligns closely with Buterin’s vision.

Overcoming the Challenges of Decentralization

While the potential for decentralized messaging apps is enormous, achieving seamless user experiences and robust security is no easy task. Buterin acknowledged that decentralization often comes with obstacles such as Sybil attacks and difficulties in supporting multiple devices. Despite these challenges, he urged developers to keep pushing for solutions that will ultimately ensure a more secure and private digital experience for users.

For apps like Session and SimpleX Chat, which focus on removing phone number dependencies and minimizing metadata exposure, the road ahead requires continued innovation and attention to security. Buterin’s donation is not just a financial contribution—it’s a call to action for the crypto community to continue fighting for digital privacy and decentralization.

Also Read:Who is Vitalik Buterin? The Genius Behind Ethereum

Chris McCabe, co-founder of Session, echoed Buterin’s sentiments, stressing the need for greater global awareness of the importance of encrypted, decentralized messaging. He believes that many people are unaware of the extent to which their data is being tracked and used by corporations. With platforms like Session, users have an opportunity to take back control of their privacy, communicate freely, and live without the constant threat of surveillance.

As Buterin’s donation signals, the fight for digital privacy is far from over, but the crypto community’s continued commitment to these issues remains strong.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.