Vitalik Buterin proposes using AI to strengthen DAO governance

CoinTelegraph

by Stephen Katte

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a pivotal role in enhancing decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) by improving governance efficiency and enabling more informed decision-making. In an X post, Buterin highlighted the challenges faced by DAOs, such as low voter participation, due to the "limits to human attention," which stem from the overwhelming number of decisions requiring expertise or time that most individuals lack. He criticized traditional delegation systems, where a small group of delegates controls decision-making while supporters lose influence after delegating their votes. Buterin's comments come followingNear Foundation researcher Ilya Kizel's proposal last year to develop AI-powered digital twins capable of voting on behalf of DAO members, aiming to address the issue of low voter participation. By leveraging AI, these digital twins could analyze complex decisions and make informed choices on behalf of users, potentially revitalizing interest in DAO governance. The idea aligns with broader efforts in the blockchain community to overcome inefficiencies in decentralized systems. While some argue that delegation empowers users by allowing them to trust experts, Buterin's critique points to a deeper issue: the disempowerment of individuals who lose control over decisions once they delegate. AI could serve as a bridge, providing a middle ground where users retain influence through automated, informed proxies. This development matters significantly to crypto enthusiasts and blockchain professionals because it addresses one of the key pain points in decentralized governance: participation and decision quality. If successful, AI-driven solutions like digital twins could enhance the effectiveness of DAOs, fostering more inclusive and responsive governance models. This innovation not only supports the future of DAOs but also underscores the potential for AI to play a transformative role in blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystems. Ultimately, Buterin's proposal highlights the ongoing evolution of decentralized systems, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to ensure their sustainability and scalability. By integrating AI, DAOs could overcome current limitations and

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/23/2026