Ethereum could power ethical AI revolution, says former core developer

A former Ethereum core developer, Eric Conner, has argued that the network could be the foundation for a global ethical AI revolution.

According to Conner, the blockchain network has a “huge opportunity” to emerge as a decentralized partner in addressing the growing concerns around artificial intelligence platforms.

He shared his views on X (formerly Twitter) on April 15, stating that the protocol’s biggest mainstream moment is waiting in the wings with AI.

Former Ethereum developer Conner shifts focus to ethical AI after leadership rift

Conner, who recently left the Ethereum community in January to focus on AI, announced his departure from the community, citing issues with leadership within the Ethereum Foundation (EF). 

Conner shared his decision on X just days after Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin revealed ongoing leadership changes within the foundation. He also announced his plans to focus on the intersection of crypto and artificial intelligence. Conner revealed that he will begin this new journey with Freysa AI.

While artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming every facet of modern life, Conner argues that the space is currently riddled with issues such as opaque “black-box” models, centralized control over data, and widespread privacy concerns. These very problems, he says, open the door for Ethereum to assume a pivotal function.

According to Conner, the blockchain network offers a robust framework for ethical AI by combining transparency through verifiable smart contracts, decentralization to counteract Big Tech monopolies, incentive alignment via token economies, and integrated micropayment systems.

Smart contracts, in particular, could solve the AI “black box” problem by offering verifiable logs of how models are trained and what data they rely on.

Still, Conner warned that major players in AI may resist openness. He noted that they profit from secrecy and control. However, he noted that as calls for transparency, fairness, and security in AI continue to grow, Ethereum offers an alternative solution.

“Ethereum already embodies the values of openness, collaboration, and trust minimization — exactly what ethical, accountable AI needs,” he said.

By investing in tools, research, and real-world applications, the blockchain could give AI developers compelling reasons to embrace decentralized infrastructure. Conner added that could drive mainstream adoption far beyond finance.

Other tech leaders share the vision. Zain Jaffer, co-founder of Vungle, has said previously that the next major frontier for crypto is decentralizing artificial intelligence.

Ethereum emerges as a launchpad for agentic AI and autonomous on-chain innovation

Ethereum is also becoming a hub for agentic AI – a new class of autonomous software agents capable of making decisions, learning from data, and adapting to new environments.

A recent Ethereum blog post noted that these AI agents increasingly find a home on the blockchain due to its transparent data access, secure digital asset ownership, and seamless interaction with smart contracts.

The post highlighted three notable projects: Luna, an autonomous virtual influencer that controls its own on-chain wallet; AIXBT, an AI agent providing crypto market analysis; and Botto, a decentralized autonomous artist creating NFTs guided by community voting.

In addition, platforms like Bankr and HeyAnon simplify user interaction with the blockchain by enabling wallet management and transactions through conversational interfaces crypto using simple chat commands.

If successful, Ethereum could become a driving force in ethical AI adoption. The network will expand its impact well beyond finance.

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