Microsoft Requiring Internet To Install Windows Is Dystopian, Says Ethereum Creator Vitalik Buterin Amid Worries About Loss Of Control Over PCs

Core Insights - Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, expressed concerns about corporations like Microsoft gaining control over personal computers, suggesting this could lead to a radical shift in public sentiment towards ownership and corporate power [1][2]. Group 1: Corporate Control and Ownership - Buterin highlighted the risk of corporations ending personal computer ownership, which he believes could push individuals towards more extreme political ideologies [2]. - He described his experience with Microsoft's setup process as "dystopian," emphasizing the mandatory internet connection and Microsoft account for Windows 11 setups starting October 2025 [4]. Group 2: Technological Centralization - Buterin reiterated his concerns regarding unchecked technological advancements and centralization, advocating for decentralized ecosystems rather than reliance on a few conglomerates [6]. - He previously criticized OpenAI's plans for superintelligent AI, labeling them as "very risky" and promoting open models on consumer hardware [6]. Group 3: Market Performance - Microsoft shares closed at $487.71, reflecting a 0.06% increase, with a year-to-date gain of 15.71% [7]. - The company's quality ranking stands at 77.04 out of 100, indicating strong performance in that category [7].