TL;DR
- Vitalik Buterin donated 128 ETH (approximately $380,000) to Session and SimpleX Chat.
- Both platforms are encrypted messaging apps prioritizing permissionless accounts and metadata privacy.
- The Vitalik Buterin ETH privacy donation underscores the need for decentralized tools against threats like the EU’s “Chat Control.”
In today’s world, data protection and digital surveillance are crucial issues, and in this context, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has sent a clear signal of support for user privacy. He has just made a significant donation of 128 ETH, valued at approximately $380,000, to two encrypted messaging platforms: Session and SimpleX Chat.
Encrypted messaging, like @signalapp, is critical for preserving our digital privacy. Two important next steps for the space are (i) permissionless account creation and (ii) metadata privacy.@session_app and @SimpleXChat are two messaging apps pushing these directions forward.…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) November 26, 2025
Buterin’s action is not just substantial financial backing; it also highlights the growing need for tools that genuinely protect user information.
Both Session and SimpleX Chat are applications designed with a central focus on privacy. Unlike conventional messaging platforms, these innovative tools forgo the use of phone numbers and central servers.
This decentralized structure is key to combating surveillance, preventing metadata collection, and offering intrinsic resistance to initiatives like the European Union’s proposed “Chat Control,” which aims to monitor online communications.

Buterin’s Donation: A Beacon for Decentralization
Buterin’s donation to these platforms underscores the growing importance of building and supporting an ecosystem of decentralized tools. In an environment where privacy threats are constant, the support of influential figures like Buterin not only validates the work of these applications but also propels them towards greater visibility and development.
His financial support will allow both platforms to continue improving their security protocols, expand their user base, and ultimately offer a robust alternative for those seeking to protect their communications from external intrusions.
Buterin’s action is not just a monetary transaction; it is a declaration of principles. The Ethereum co-founder, known for his long-term vision for Ethereum and the decentralized space, emphasizes that true privacy is a fundamental pillar for freedom in the digital age.
By strengthening these platforms, he contributes directly to the creation of a more secure internet, resistant to censorship and mass surveillance, aligning with the fundamental values of the crypto community.