Vitalik Buterin presented a framework for combining Ethereum and artificial intelligence, insisting AI must augment human decision-making rather than replace it.

Core principles

He set two strategic aims: preserve human influence over technological systems and reduce the possibility of AI operating beyond human control.

Central to his proposal is the use of zero-knowledge proofs, which permit verification of computations without disclosing private data to third parties.

Applied to AI, this approach enables confidential interactions with models and cryptographic proofs that a server processed requests honestly and without tampering.

Practical directions

• Development of local AI instances to reduce dependency on centralized cloud infrastructure and limit single points of control.
• Implementation of anonymous ZK-based payments for access to high-capacity models, preserving user privacy during transactions.
• Creation of an economic infrastructure for autonomous AI agents, including payments, deposits, arbitration mechanisms, and reputation systems.
• Introduction of the ERC-8004 standard as a form of identity or "passport" for autonomous AI entities operating on Ethereum.

Auditing and user autonomy

Buterin proposed personal AI auditors that can inspect smart contracts, validate transactions, and assess protocol risks to empower individual users technically.

These auditors aim to give end users independent tools for security checks and risk evaluation without relying solely on centralized intermediaries.

Conclusion

Overall, Buterin envisions Ethereum as the foundation for a secure and open AI economy, positioned as an alternative to closed corporate systems.