As 2025 begins, global attention is turning to the challenges and risks posed by rapidly advancing technologies, including artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. From Vitalik Buterin’s call for a temporary pause on industrial-scale computing to mitigate the potential dangers of AI superintelligence, to international crackdowns on crypto and AI-driven scams defrauding millions, authorities and thought leaders are emphasizing the need for caution and proactive measures to address these emerging threats. Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Advocates Temporary Pause on AI Hardware to Mitigate Risks of Superintelligence Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a bold and controversial measure to address the looming existential threat posed by super-intelligent AI. In a blog post dated Jan. 5, 2025, Buterin suggested a temporary global pause on industrial-scale computational resources to “buy more time for humanity” to prepare for the potential emergence of AI superintelligence. Buterin’s proposal, which he termed a ”soft pause,” involves drastically reducing the availability of global computing power—by up to 99%—for one to two years. The intent is to decelerate the rapid pace of AI development, particularly in scenarios where humanity faces significant risks from unchecked advancements in artificial intelligence. Super-intelligent AI, often defined as systems far surpassing human intelligence in all areas, has been a focal point of concern for researchers, technologists, and policymakers. Buterin speculates that such AI could be as little as five years away, warning that the outcomes of its arrival could range from revolutionary to catastrophic. Buterin’s latest remarks build on his November 2023 post advocating for ”defensive accelerationism,” or d/acc—a philosophy centered on cautiously advancing technology to mitigate risks rather than rushing into rapid, unregulated innovation. His Jan. 5 blog sought to address the practical steps humanity could take if the risk of AI superintelligence becomes imminent. Buterin acknowledged that the concept of pausing industrial-scale computing power would face logistical and political challenges. His proposal involves identifying and registering the locations of AI chips globally, with industrial-scale hardware requiring regular authorization from international bodies to remain operational. He suggested that these hardware units could be equipped with chips capable of verifying whether they had received a trio of signatures from major international organizations each week. “The signatures would be device-independent,” Buterin explained. “We could even require a zero-knowledge proof that they were published on a blockchain, ensuring transparency and security.” This system, Buterin argues, would create an “all-or-nothing” scenario, where it would be impractical to selectively authorize devices without enabling all others, thus ensuring compliance on a global scale. Concerns about AI’s potential risks are not new. In March 2023, over 2,600 tech executives and researchers signed an open letter calling for a halt to advanced AI development, citing “profound risks to society and humanity.” Buterin’s proposal echoes these fears while offering a distinct strategy for intervention. Still, the Ethereum co-founder emphasized that his support for a hardware pause would only materialize if less invasive measures, such as liability rules, prove insufficient. These rules would hold developers and users accountable for any harm caused by AI models. Balancing Progress and Caution Buterin’s advocacy for d/acc stands in contrast to effective accelerationism, or e/acc, which pushes for unrestricted and rapid technological advancements. The Ethereum co-founder has positioned himself as a proponent of a balanced approach—one that prioritizes humanity’s long-term safety over short-term innovation gains. The debate surrounding AI regulation has grown more urgent as recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence edge closer to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), a milestone where machines can perform any intellectual task humans can. In 2024 alone, AI made significant progress, with the possibility of AGI becoming a reality within the next few years. If adopted, Buterin’s proposed soft pause could have sweeping implications for industries reliant on high-performance computing, from AI research to cryptocurrency mining. Critics may argue that such a measure could stifle innovation and economic growth, while supporters might view it as a necessary trade-off to safeguard humanity’s future. Buterin’s proposal is likely to spark intense debate among policymakers, technologists, and industry leaders as society grapples with the dual imperatives of fostering innovation and mitigating existential risks. Global Authorities Crack Down on Crypto and AI-Driven Scams as 2025 Begins The first week of 2025 has seen a wave of law enforcement action against fraudsters exploiting cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, targeting unsuspecting victims worldwide. From Vietnam to the United States to Hong Kong, authorities have been working to dismantle sophisticated schemes that have collectively cost victims millions of dollars. In Vietnam, police arrested four individuals involved in a cryptocurrency mining scam that defrauded more than 200 victims of 4 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $157,300). According to local newspaper VnExpress , the scam was masterminded by Tran Minh Quang and his associates, who developed a fraudulent crypto-mining website called BitMiner. Despite advertising itself as a Dubai-based company with a Singapore domain, the operation offered unrealistic investment returns to lure victims. The perpetrators sold dubious crypto-mining packages and related educational materials, deceiving hundreds of victims. This case follows another successful operation by Vietnamese police, who previously thwarted a $1 million cryptocurrency scam that targeted 300 victims. Meanwhile, in the United States, the police department of Springfield, Massachusetts, has issued a public warning about a surge in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency-related scams. These scams often involve sophisticated tactics to coerce victims into transferring funds through cryptocurrency ATMs . “The scams have many different variations, but one in particular directs a person to a cryptocurrency machine to insert and send money to the scammer. If you receive a phone call with someone demanding a payment in cryptocurrency or Bitcoin, please hang up,” the department stated. This warning exposes the growing threat posed by scammers exploiting the relative anonymity and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities in the US have been ramping up public awareness campaigns to combat these schemes, which have targeted individuals across socioeconomic and age groups. In Hong Kong, authorities arrested 31 individuals, mostly university students, for their involvement in a sophisticated scam syndicate that used AI-generated deepfakes to defraud victims of 34 million Hong Kong dollars ($4.37 million). According to a report from Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the syndicate primarily targeted victims outside of Hong Kong, including individuals in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. The scammers leveraged AI face-swapping technology to create convincing deepfake images, posing as attractive individuals to lure victims into romance scams. They built relationships with their targets, gained their trust, and eventually manipulated them into transferring funds. Hong Kong authorities conducted raids on two locations linked to the syndicate, seizing 10 million Hong Kong dollars worth of cash, luxury handbags, and watches. While five individuals have been charged with conspiracy to defraud, others have been released on bail pending further investigation. The Rising Threat of Crypto and AI Scams These cases shed light on the growing sophistication and global reach of scams involving cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. As blockchain technology and AI continue to evolve, so do the tactics employed by fraudsters to exploit them. From fake crypto-mining schemes to romance scams using deepfakes, criminals are leveraging cutting-edge technology to stay one step ahead of their victims. In response, governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide are intensifying their efforts to combat such crimes. Public awareness campaigns, regulatory measures, and cross-border cooperation are becoming essential tools in the fight against these complex scams. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when dealing with cryptocurrency investments and online interactions involving AI technologies. Key recommendations include: Verify Investment Opportunities: Conduct thorough research before investing in any crypto-related platform. Unrealistic promises of high returns are often a red flag for fraud. Beware of Unsolicited Requests: Avoid engaging with individuals or entities that demand cryptocurrency payments via phone calls or emails. Recognize AI-Driven Manipulation: Be cautious of online relationships that develop unusually quickly or involve financial requests, especially when supported by suspiciously perfect images or videos. Report Suspicious Activity: Promptly report suspected scams to local law enforcement or financial authorities to help protect others from falling victim.
