Sony’s Soneium Network Implements Restrictions on IP-Infringing Meme Coins

Sony has launched Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 platform, following a successful testnet that attracted 14 million users. The platform restricts transactions involving two meme coins, Aibo and Toro, which utilize Sony’s intellectual property. However, users have discovered a way to bypass these restrictions through Ethereum’s main network, albeit with a 12-hour delay. Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, supports Sony’s approach, stating that businesses can choose their level of control while still providing user options. Sony Block Solutions Labs director clarified that they are “pro-responsibility” rather than “anti-meme coin”. This move by Sony has sparked discussions about the balance between corporate control and blockchain accessibility in the cryptocurrency space.

Soneium, developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, operates as a Layer 2 solution on Ethereum, providing faster and cheaper transactions compared to the main network. After its launch, users faced difficulties trading Aibo and Toro, as the network labeled their smart contracts as “forbidden”. Soneium’s team explained on social media that they had implemented temporary restrictions to protect intellectual property rights. This showcases how Layer 2 networks can exercise control over transaction processing through centralized sequencers.

However, cryptocurrency researcher Luca Donno revealed that users can still process these transactions on Ethereum’s main network, albeit with a 12-hour delay. This is possible due to Soneium’s underlying architecture, which is built using the OP Stack technology, similar to other Layer 2 networks like Base and Ink.

Sota Watanabe, director of Sony Block Solutions Labs, explained their stance as “pro-responsibility” rather than “anti-meme coin”. The team plans to introduce a grace period for future blacklisting decisions, demonstrating their willingness to refine their approach. Ethereum co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, supported Soneium’s approach, highlighting that businesses can choose different levels of control while operating within Ethereum’s ecosystem.

Currently, Soneium operates with a centralized sequencer, giving the team control over transaction processing and the ability to blacklist projects through RPC nodes. The team emphasized that their actions do not censor the blockchain itself, as blacklisting only affects specific smart contracts on Soneium’s public RPCs. Users still have the ability to access the chain through alternative methods.

In the context of meme coins, Soneium’s approach presents a new way to address intellectual property rights while maintaining blockchain principles. The team expressed support for meme coins developed responsibly and within ethical and legal frameworks. The platform aims to serve creators and audiences through features like NFT-based fan engagement systems and the Soneium Spark incubator program, showcasing Sony’s broader vision for blockchain technology in entertainment and creative industries.

Technically, Soneium functions by bundling transactions together and submitting them to Ethereum’s network after processing, which is a common approach for Layer 2 solutions seeking to improve speed and reduce costs.

The bypass method discovered by users is intentional, as it is built into the OP Stack’s architecture. This demonstrates that fundamental blockchain principles of accessibility remain intact even within more controlled environments.

Buterin emphasized the importance of having both fully open systems and more controlled environments within Ethereum’s ecosystem, highlighting the need for users to understand the properties of their chosen platforms.

According to recent updates from Soneium’s team, they are working on providing clearer guidelines for contract restrictions and improving communication about network policies.