Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has once again ignited discussion in the crypto and AI communities, criticizing developers of AI agents for prioritizing token launches over building useful products.
In a post on X, CZ stated that many AI agent developers focus too much on their token rather than the agent’s actual usefulness.
He advised developers to “make a really good agent first” and only launch a token when there is proven product-market fit.
His criticism echoes his previous statements on AI and crypto, where he suggested that the vast majority of AI agents do not need their tokens.
In response to a user’s claim that “95% of AI agents don’t need a token,” CZ went even further, replying, “Maybe 99.95%.”
This aligns with a post he also made on March 17, where he argued that while crypto serves as the currency for AI, not every agent requires its own native token.
Instead, he recommended that AI agents charge fees in existing cryptocurrencies and launch a token only when they achieve scale.
AI Agents and the Growing Concerns in Crypto
CZ’s comments come amid broader concerns over the rapid growth of AI-powered agents and their integration with blockchain technology.
The use of AI in crypto has expanded significantly, with AI agents now participating in trading, executing smart contracts, and managing decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
However, critics argue that many projects use AI as a marketing buzzword to justify launching a token, rather than developing genuinely useful AI systems.
Industry leaders, including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, have voiced concerns about AI’s potential risks. Buterin recently warned about the dangers of AI becoming too powerful and unregulated.
He emphasized that as AI agents gain more autonomy, there must be clear accountability mechanisms in place.
According to the exclusive report Cryptonews covered, some experts propose using decentralized identity (DID) systems to ensure AI agents can be tracked and held responsible for their actions.
Ingo Rübe, the founder of decentralized identity protocol KILT, has suggested that AI agents should have verifiable credentials, similar to human certifications, to establish credibility and accountability.
The Role of Decentralized Identity in AI Regulation
One proposed solution to mitigate AI-related risks in crypto is attaching financial accountability to AI agents.
Rübe advocates for a system where developers must stake collateral on the blockchain when launching an AI agent.
This would act as an insurance mechanism, meaning if the AI agent behaves maliciously or causes harm, affected users could claim compensation from the collateral.
This concept mirrors the way real-world certifications work, ensuring that AI agents are held to higher standards of trust and transparency.
This approach would help prevent AI-driven manipulation in crypto trading, including wash trading and spoofing.
Several crypto projects have already begun leveraging AI for smart contract automation, investment research, and governance processes.
However, CZ’s criticism highlights a growing divide between projects genuinely innovating with AI and those using it as a pretext for token sales.
His call for prioritizing product-market fit over speculative token launches resonates with his broader philosophy that real value in crypto comes from building rather than chasing short-term gains.
This perspective aligns with his previous statements that “99% of people in crypto are here to make a quick buck, while only 1% are truly building.”
As the debate over AI agents and tokenization continues, regulatory scrutiny is also expected to increase.
Whether AI agents can achieve widespread adoption without excessive tokenization remains a key question for the future of AI and blockchain integration.
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