Andreessen Horowitz Supports Using Blockchain to Help Control and Improve AI
Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto team says blockchains can help put users in control of AI
According to a report from Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division (called a16z) on June 11, blockchains could guide artificial intelligence (AI) toward giving users more ownership and creating open standards.
The report suggested that important data, like user preferences and “agent passports” (digital IDs for AI helpers), should be stored in wallets that only users control. This way, AI tools can quickly access what users like without needing to be retrained every time.
A blockchain-based identity system could let AI agents keep verified records of who owns them, what they can do, and payment info — and use this across different platforms like email and Slack. Also, systems like World Chain’s World ID could help spot bots as AI models become more common.
Computing and payments
The report also talked about using decentralized networks (called DePIN) where unused computer power (like from gaming PCs or data centers) is shared openly. This would create marketplaces for computing power and reduce the need to rely on big cloud companies.
“Synchrony layers” on the blockchain would help keep AI code in sync. Developers could use tokens to reward people who fix bugs, and apps would automatically get updates without manual work.
Micropayments were also a focus. The report imagined tiny payments happening on low-fee blockchains that split the cost of buying something between the AI and the data sources it used.
These payment systems could also control access for web crawlers (bots that browse websites). Bots would need to deposit tokens and pay fees, while verified humans could browse for free.
Blockchains could also track exactly which text was used to train which AI models and make sure publishers get paid.
Protecting creative work and user privacy
To protect creative work, the report proposed public blockchain registries that store ownership info directly with the content. Smart contracts (automated agreements) could help brands charge for or allow derivatives (new works based on the original), making royalties easy to track.
Advertising could use wallet-based privacy tools so users only share minimal info and get paid small amounts for their attention, while still seeing ads that matter to them.
Looking ahead
The report argued that AI helpers like tutors, health aides, or companion bots should be controlled by users through their own keys, not by big companies. Blockchains that resist censorship and wallets that simplify security (hiding complicated seed phrases) could help.
New tech could support AI companions that remember users and store data safely on the blockchain for long-term relationships.
In summary, the report said combining blockchains with AI could protect an open internet by embedding rewards, ownership, and governance directly into the technology.
