Vitalik Buterin Criticizes Elon Musk, Says X Should Embrace Crypto Payments

Market Snapshot
According to Newsbit.nl, Vitalik Buterin expressed disappointment that X, under Elon Musk’s leadership, has not implemented any meaningful cryptocurrency payment features, despite Musk’s long-standing support for Dogecoin and open discussions about digital payments.

Buterin’s comments suggest that X’s current direction leans too heavily on centralized monetization — like subscriptions and ad models — rather than leveraging blockchain to empower users with borderless, censorship-resistant payments.

He stated that if Musk truly wants to revolutionize social media, crypto integration should be at its core, not an afterthought.

What’s Behind the Criticism
Elon Musk has repeatedly hinted at launching payment services on X, including possible support for both fiat and crypto transactions, but so far, no major blockchain-based payment integration has materialized.

Buterin, known for advocating decentralized social networks and user-owned economies, believes X could become a global hub for crypto micropayments, creator tips, and smart-contract-based monetization — if Musk were willing to collaborate with the crypto ecosystem.

In his view, integrating crypto wallets and stablecoin payments on X could not only democratize access to financial tools but also set a global standard for decentralized social finance (SocialFi).

Ecosystem Impact
Buterin’s remarks have reignited the debate around social media tokenization and Web3 integration.
Projects like Lens Protocol, Farcaster, and Friend.tech are already experimenting with blockchain-based social experiences — where users own their identity, content, and rewards.

If Musk were to add crypto transactions or smart-contract payments to X, it could instantly bring hundreds of millions of users into the blockchain economy — possibly reshaping how creators earn and communities transact online.

However, analysts note that Musk faces regulatory pressure in the U.S., which could delay crypto payment adoption despite the demand.

Community Reactions
Crypto Twitter erupted after Buterin’s comments. Many agreed that X is missing its biggest opportunity, with one post reading: “X could’ve been the global crypto payment network by now — if Elon had listened.”

Others defended Musk, suggesting that regulatory constraints and user safety concerns may be the main reasons behind the delay.

Regardless, the conversation has reignited optimism that crypto’s next wave of adoption could come from mainstream social platforms.

Future Outlook
If X eventually integrates stablecoins, Bitcoin, or Ethereum payments, it could redefine social media economics and make peer-to-peer value exchange a native feature of online interaction.

For now, Buterin’s criticism serves as a reminder that the Web3 vision is not just about technology — it’s about ownership, empowerment, and freedom from centralized control.