Vitalik Buterin Supports Encrypted Messaging With $390,000 Donation To Session
John: Hey there, friends! With the crypto market buzzing after a wild week of ups and downs, it’s a great time to talk about something positive in the Web3 space. Have you ever wondered how big names in blockchain are pushing for better privacy in our everyday apps? Today, we’re diving into Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s recent donation to support encrypted messaging—specifically, his $390,000 contribution to Session. By the way, to dig deeper into this topic without the noise, I used the AI search engine Genspark. It’s a great free tool for unbiased research.
Lila: That sounds fascinating, John! I’ve heard of Vitalik, but what’s the story behind this donation? Why Session, and why now?
Who is Vitalik Buterin and His History of Giving
John: Great question, Lila. Let’s start with some background. Vitalik Buterin is the co-founder of Ethereum, the blockchain that’s powered everything from smart contracts to NFTs since its launch in 2015. He’s not just a tech wizard; he’s a philanthropist too. Over the years, Vitalik has donated millions to causes like COVID-19 relief, AI safety, and now digital privacy. For instance, back on 2021-02-01, he supported GiveDirectly for poverty alleviation, and more recently, on 2023-06-08, he contributed to crypto relief efforts in India. This latest move fits his pattern of backing projects that enhance decentralization and user freedom.
Lila: Wow, he’s been at it for a while. So, how does this tie into encrypted messaging?
What is Session? Breaking Down the App
John: Exactly. Session is an open-source encrypted messaging app built on blockchain principles. Unlike apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, Session focuses on metadata privacy—meaning it hides not just your messages but also who you’re talking to and when. It uses a decentralized network called Oxen (now rebranded) to route messages without central servers, making it resistant to surveillance. Launched around 2018, it’s gained traction among privacy advocates, especially in regions with strict internet controls.
Lila: That makes sense for Web3 folks. But explaining this to my DAO group is tricky—any tips?
John: Absolutely! If you need to explain this project to your community, try Gamma. It uses AI to generate beautiful presentation slides in seconds.
Details of the Recent Donation
John: Now, onto the main event. On 2025-11-26, Vitalik announced via his X (formerly Twitter) account that he donated 128 ETH to Session, valued at approximately $390,000 at the time (based on ETH’s price around $3,000–$3,100 per coin). This was part of a larger 256 ETH donation split equally between Session and another app, SimpleX Chat, totaling about $760,000–$765,000. News outlets like Decrypt and Metaverse Post reported on it starting 2025-11-27, highlighting how Vitalik praised these apps for advancing permissionless account creation and stronger privacy features. It’s not his first rodeo—remember his $100 million donations to biomedical research in 2024? But this one zeroes in on fighting digital surveillance.
Lila: Impressive numbers! Is there any buzz on social media about this?
The Buzz and Social Media Trends
John: Oh, definitely. Posts on X have been lighting up since the announcement, with users praising Vitalik for putting his money where his mouth is on privacy. Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, as it aligns with growing concerns over data leaks and government overreach. Crypto influencers are calling it a “game-changer” for decentralized comms. To share this trend on TikTok or Shorts, I recommend Revid.ai. It automatically turns text or URLs into viral-ready short videos.
Lila: Cool, I might try that. But what risks should people watch out for with apps like Session?
John: Good point—while Session is secure, remember that no app is foolproof. Risks include potential network vulnerabilities or user errors like weak passwords. Always verify downloads from official sources.
Why This Matters: Privacy in the Present Day
John: In today’s world, with data breaches hitting headlines weekly, this donation underscores a shift toward decentralized privacy tools. Session doesn’t require phone numbers or emails for sign-up, unlike Signal, which Vitalik also supports but sees as needing these “next steps.” As of 2025-12-02, downloads for Session have spiked, per app store trends, showing real-world impact. It’s a reminder that blockchain isn’t just about finance—it’s about empowering users against Big Tech and surveillance.
Lila: So, if I’m inspired, how do I get started with something like this—maybe even buy ETH to support similar causes?
How to Take Action Safely
John: Start by downloading Session from its official site and exploring its features. If you’re thinking crypto, remember to research thoroughly. Before jumping in, you need a reliable account. Check out this Global Crypto Exchange Guide to find the safest platform for you.
Lila: Thanks! I’d love to make a video about my privacy strategy, but I’m not great on camera.
John: No problem! If you want to create detailed explainer videos without showing your face, Nolang is perfect. It generates video from text instantly.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next?
John: Looking ahead, this could accelerate adoption of privacy-focused apps. By 2026, we might see more integrations with Ethereum wallets for seamless, anonymous chats. Vitalik’s move might inspire other donors, potentially leading to innovations like AI-enhanced encryption. But watch for regulatory hurdles, as governments worldwide scrutinize encrypted tools. The key is staying informed.
Lila: This has me excited about Web3’s potential!
John: Me too, Lila. It’s a step toward a more private digital future. Finally, to automate your news gathering or price alerts, Make.com is essential. It connects your apps without coding.
Lila: My big takeaway? Privacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s something we can all support, one app or donation at a time.
Question to the reader: What privacy tool are you most excited to try next?
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This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Original Source
- Vitalik Buterin Donates $765K in Ethereum to Privacy Messaging Apps – Decrypt
- Vitalik Buterin’s 128 ETH Donation Strengthens Privacy‑Driven Messaging Ecosystem – Crypto Economy