Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's co-founder, has articulated four primary use cases for the blockchain that extend far beyond cryptocurrency speculation and financial applications, positioning the network as a foundational infrastructure layer for decentralized systems.
In his analysis, Buterin identified public data storage as the foremost application, where systems requiring transparent, accessible records—such as online voting platforms, software version control, and certificate revocation lists—benefit from a immutable, commonly accessible ledger. He emphasized that these applications require only reliable storage infrastructure rather than complex computational capabilities or token incentives.
Buterin outlined micropayments as a second critical use case, noting that Ethereum combined with zero-knowledge payment channels offers an optimal solution for API monetization without requiring user registration or inviting spam. His third point centered on Sybil attack resistance, where ETH functions as an economic barrier that prevents mass account creation while preserving user privacy—avoiding the need for phone number verification. The fourth application involves using smart contracts as security deposits, where ETH is locked or destroyed upon protocol violation.
Buterin concluded by characterizing Ethereum as a global shared memory infrastructure for applications, noting that transaction costs have declined substantially since 2022 and scaling solutions continue expanding network capacity. This framework repositions Ethereum as essential infrastructure for trustless systems beyond financial markets.