Sony’s Blockchain Sonieum Launches Amidst Debates and Security Concerns

soneium Sony has officially launched the mainnet of Sonieum, its Layer-2 blockchain platform, with a vision to revolutionize Web3 interactions and enhance fan engagement through NFTs! However, the rollout has encountered significant pushback from the community.

Sony has officially launched the mainnet of Sonieum, its Layer-2 blockchain platform, with a vision to revolutionize Web3 interactions and enhance fan engagement through NFTs! However, the rollout has encountered significant pushback from the community.

Developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs and based on the OP Stack from the Optimism Foundation, Sonieum aims to provide a more accessible Web3 experience. The platform integrates Sony’s NFT-based Fan Marketing Platform and Soneium Spark to support creators, developers, and fans.

Strategic partnerships with major divisions like Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and Sony Music Publishing highlight its utility, allowing NFTs to unlock exclusive content and deepen fan interaction.

Controversial Beginnings

Despite the promising features, the launch was overshadowed by controversies regarding the platform’s policy of blacklisting certain contract addresses, which sparked considerable debate within the community.

The pseudonymous founder of Pump.fun criticized the platform for potentially harming users by “nuking everyone’s position to 0,” referring to the drastic action taken against some contracts.

User Concerns and Company Response

The backlash intensified with allegations from a user claiming Sonieum “rugged users” by freezing contracts linked to about $100,000 worth of Ether. This action was part of Sonieum’s strategy to block addresses suspected of intellectual property (IP) infringements, as stated in their official documentation.

In response to the uproar, Soneium director Sota Watanabe addressed the community’s concerns, clarifying that only two specific contracts were affected due to IP violations.

Watanabe reassured that affected users and developers have the opportunity to appeal, emphasizing ongoing discussions with one impacted project already adapting to comply with Sonieum’s policies.