Crypto is (still) not decentralized. (2024)

Hi there, and welcome back to Untangled, a newsletter and podcast about technology, people, and power. For those coming back for a Little League World Series update, Sam’s team won their first game 10-0, and will play on Monday at 3 pm EST. Here’s a fun video of Sam hitting an RBI single to right, with a surprise appearance from yours truly — watch until the end!

Okay, on to more Untangled-y things: I’ve been thinking about how the public discourse on artificial intelligence compares to crypto. One commonality? The way we talk about the underlying technology hides power and people making decisions. In crypto, the narrative of ‘technical decentralization’ promised to decentralize power but only hid it. Despite the underlying technology, power continued to concentrate in intermediaries, voting and governance, token ownership, coordinated decision-making, computing power, and in informal authority.

Somehow, we’ve come to talk about ‘AI’ as if it is ‘intelligent,’ ‘autonomous,’ and engag…

Crypto is (still) not decentralized. (2024)

FAQs

Is crypto still decentralized? ›

In Bitcoin's case, the blockchain is decentralized, so no single person or group has control—instead, all users collectively retain control.

What does it mean that crypto is decentralized? ›

In a decentralized blockchain network, no one has to know or trust anyone else. Each member in the network has a copy of the exact same data in the form of a distributed ledger. If a member's ledger is altered or corrupted in any way, it will be rejected by the majority of the members in the network.

Why is cryptocurrency not centralized? ›

A cryptocurrency is a form of digital asset based on a network that is distributed across a large number of computers. This decentralized structure allows them to exist outside the control of governments and central authorities.

Which cryptocurrency is truly decentralized? ›

1. Bitcoin. Despite the problem of mining centralization described above, Bitcoin remains the most practically decentralized network in the world. Even large mining pools wouldn't be able to exercise control over the Bitcoin network.

How to tell if a crypto is decentralized? ›

Decentralization of a proof-of-stake blockchain can be measured by the count of stake pools or validators, distribution of the token supply across those validators, and the percentage of token supply that is staked. The higher the percentage of the token supply that is staked, the harder it is to disrupt the network.

Is Bitcoin really decentralized? ›

In summary, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network, utilizing blockchain technology to secure and verify transactions.

What happens if crypto is centralized? ›

Centralized crypto platforms operate on a traditional model. They hold custody of users' funds, match buy and sell orders and facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrencies. Users create accounts, deposit funds, place orders and rely on the exchange to execute those orders.

Should I buy crypto on centralized or decentralized? ›

The answer to whether you should use a decentralized or centralized exchange depends on your unique situation. If you're a beginner investor, a centralized exchange may be the better option. However, if you're looking to retain control over your private keys, a decentralized exchange may be better for you.

Why do governments hate crypto? ›

In its current form, Bitcoin presents three challenges to government authority: it cannot be regulated, criminals use it, and it can help citizens circumvent capital controls.

Which crypto can give 1000x in 2024? ›

Being a project that stands out for several reasons, EarthMeta could potentially be the next 1000x in crypto space. Since the project integrates AI with the Metaverse, creating a decentralized digital world, it allows users to own, govern, and interact with virtual cities and assets, providing a unique experience.

Which crypto is most stable? ›

USDT, USDC, and FDUSD are among the widely used stablecoins, offering liquidity, broad market acceptance, and are backed by reliable assets. Which stable coin is most stable? In terms of maintaining their peg to the US dollar or other underlying assets, USDT, USDC, and FDUSD are often considered the most stable.

Can crypto become centralized? ›

If a crypto exchange is centralized, it means that it is operated and controlled by a single entity or organization. In such a scenario, the following things can happen: 1. Control and Ownership: The centralized exchange has complete control over the funds and assets held by its users.

Is Ethereum centralized or decentralized? ›

Glassnode data shows that 85% of Ethereum's total supply is held by entities that have 100 ETH or more, and 30% of the supply is in the hands of (wallets of) those with over 100,000 ETH.

What crypto exchange is decentralized? ›

Uniswap is the world's biggest decentralized exchange. You can use Uniswap to buy, sell, and trade ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. To start using Uniswap, simply plug in your Ethereum wallet.

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