Vitalik Buterin Moves $46M in ETH for Open-Source Privacy Work

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has moved a large amount of ETH to support open-source work. On January 30, he confirmed that he withdrew 16,384 ETH. Which is worth about $46 million at current prices. He said the funds will go to projects that focus on privacy, self sovereignty and decentralization. These projects will cover software and hardware. They will also touch areas like finance, communication, biotech and secure devices.

Vitalik shared the update on X and linked it to his long term vision. He wants technology that serves people, not large companies. Ethereum co-founder plans to use the funds over several years. He may also stake part of the ETH to create more income for these goals.

Focus on Open and Verifiable Technology

Vitalik Buterin said the goal is to build a “full stack” of open tools. This means everything from apps to chips should be open and verifiable. Users should be able to check how their tools work. They should not have to trust hidden code or closed systems.

In these five years, the Ethereum Foundation is entering a period of mild austerity, in order to be able to simultaneously meet two goals:

1. Deliver on an aggressive roadmap that ensures Ethereum's status as a performant and scalable world computer that does not compromise on…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 30, 2026

He named areas like encrypted messaging, privacy first operating systems and open silicon. He also mentioned tools that use zero-knowledge proofs. Including fully homomorphic encryption and differential privacy. These tools help protect user data while still allowing useful services. Vitalik Buterin believes these systems can protect private life and public spaces. For him, this is about safety and freedom. He wants people to control their own data and tools. Ethereum co-founder also wants tech that can work without large gatekeepers.

Linked to Ethereum Foundation’s Austerity Plan

This move also matches the Ethereum Foundation’s new direction. The foundation has entered what Vitalik called a period of “mild austerity.” The goal is to save resources while still pushing Ethereum’s roadmap forward. The foundation wants to keep Ethereum strong, scalable and decentralized. Though it wants to support user privacy and self sovereignty. 

Vitalik Buterin said his personal funding is part of this effort. He is taking on work that might otherwise fall on the foundation. He said Ethereum should not just be everywhere. It should be for people who truly need it. He warned against systems built only for profit or control. Instead, he wants tools that help cooperation without domination.

Long-Term Vision and Market Impact

Vitalik Buterin said the ETH will be deployed slowly over time. This means the funds will not flood the market at once. Instead, they will support projects as they grow. He also said staking could help increase the impact of the funds in the future.

The move shows that Ethereum’s leadership still focuses on values, not just price. It also sends a signal to developers. Privacy and open systems remain core goals. For the wider crypto market, the action highlights a shift toward real world use. It supports tools that protect users and reduce reliance on big platforms. In a time when many fear more control and less freedom, Vitalik Buterin’s plan points in the opposite direction.