AI as the Interface: How Blockchain Could Become the Invisible Backbone of the Internet
For years, the cryptocurrency industry has sought a breakthrough comparable to the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) or non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) has steadily integrated into daily life, assisting with tasks from email composition to travel planning and workflow management. Even as AI experiences a consumer boom, cryptocurrency remains largely in a developmental phase. However, a shift may be on the horizon, with AI poised to become the primary interface for blockchain technology and, potentially, all online activity.
Blockchain’s Role: From Front-Conclude to Back-End
Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR Protocol, envisions a future where blockchain operates as the underlying infrastructure, while AI handles the user experience. “Users of blockchain will become AI agents,” Polosukhin stated in a recent interview. “AI will be at the front end, and blockchain will be the back end.” [Forbes Vetted] This perspective diverges from current AI applications within the crypto space, which often focus on speculative tokens and trading bots.
Polosukhin argues that AI will abstract away the complexities of blockchain, eliminating the require for users to directly interact with wallets, explorers, or transaction hashes. “The goal is to have your AI hide all of the blockchain,” he explained. “The very fact of having an explorer effectively means failure. Due to the fact that we haven’t abstracted away this technology.”
AI as the Operating System
This shift suggests blockchain isn’t disappearing, but rather moving “backwards” – becoming a foundational layer accessed through AI agents. These agents could manage payments, assets, coordinate services, and even participate in governance systems. Humans would interact with AI, which in turn interacts with the blockchain. Polosukhin believes AI will eventually become ubiquitous, functioning as an “operating system” for all online interactions.
This explains, in part, why cryptocurrencies haven’t yet experienced an “AI moment” akin to the surge in generative AI tools. Polosukhin points out that blockchain is fundamentally tied to finance, but finance permeates all aspects of life. Rather than competing with AI platforms, cryptocurrencies can provide a neutral financial infrastructure – handling payments, ownership verification, and programmable incentives.
Addressing Current Challenges
Despite this potential, Polosukhin is critical of the industry’s current approach to AI and governance. This critique echoes recent concerns raised by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who proposed an ‘AI manager’ to improve DAO governance. Polosukhin believes the industry often prioritizes technical solutions without first identifying the core problem.
He uses decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) as an example, arguing they have “failed spectacularly” due to a lack of limitations and a poorly defined purpose. Governance tools, including AI-assisted voting, are only effective when linked to clear economic or coordination needs.
Cultural Barriers and the Reputation of Cryptocurrency
A cultural divide also exists between the AI and cryptocurrency communities. Polosukhin notes that the prevalence of “memecoins” damages the reputation of the cryptocurrency industry, alienating serious AI researchers. “AI officials are virtually excluding cryptocurrency because of memecoins,” he stated.
The Future of Convergence
Long-term convergence will likely focus on infrastructure rather than token launches. As AI systems increasingly manage tasks like bill payments, service procurement, and capital allocation, they will require trusted execution, privacy, and programmable financial arrangements. “Blockchain is about neutral markets and neutral infrastructure,” Polosukhin said.
If AI becomes the dominant operating system of the internet, the future of cryptocurrencies may lie in becoming an invisible payment layer quietly utilized by AI agents. This represents a fundamental shift in how users interact with blockchain technology, moving it from a direct application to a foundational component of a broader AI-driven ecosystem.