Crypto: Edward Snowden Points Out the Dangers Of Solana

Edward Snowden, whistleblower and privacy advocate, sharply criticized Solana’s approach to blockchain at the Token2049 conference in Singapore. His remarks reignite the debate on the delicate balance between performance and decentralization in the crypto ecosystem.

Solana’s Centralization in the Crosshairs

Snowden did not hold back, calling Solana’s strategy a counterexample in blockchain security. According to him, the protocol has deliberately chosen to centralize certain aspects to gain speed and reduce costs. “It’s a system with levers that people can simply take from you,” he warned, pointing out the risks inherent in this approach.

The former NSA consultant is particularly concerned about the long-term implications. While Solana is not yet a priority target for governments due to its limited use to memecoins, the situation could rapidly change. Snowden fears that this centralization could ultimately facilitate authoritarian regimes’ control over the blockchain.

This criticism sparked a strong reaction in the crypto community. An engineer from Helius notably described these accusations as “nonsense,” challenging anyone to identify a concrete attack vector against the Solana network. The technical debate rages on, but Snowden maintains his position.

Bitcoin as a Bulwark Against Digital Authoritarianism

Underlying this controversy, the original vision of Bitcoin is indeed reinforced. Snowden sees in the flagship crypto a model of decentralization capable of resisting state pressures. He cites as a counterexample the case of Telegram, forced to modify its terms of use following the arrest of its founder.

“Some governments strive to control every individual on their territory, and beyond, through new technologies,” Snowden warns. In this context, Bitcoin appears as a last bastion against mass surveillance and financial censorship.

Snowden’s intervention thus revives the rift between Bitcoin maximalists and proponents of alternative blockchains. While Solana’s pursuit of performance attracts many developers, the crypto community remains divided on the acceptable trade-offs in terms of decentralization. The debate is far from over, as crypto adoption accelerates globally.