Sony has officially launched Soneium, an innovative Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain solution, on 14th January 2025.
Soneium: From Testnet to Layer 2 Solution
In August 2024, Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL), a joint venture between Sony Group and Startale, announced plans to develop an Ethereum Layer 2 network. This aimed to bridge the gap between blockchain technology and everyday internet services.
Firstly, it deployed the Minato testnet, which attracted over 14 million wallets and more than 45 million transactions over four months.
After the successful launch of the testnet, Soneium was launched, built on solid technical foundations, and leveraging the OP Stack and Superchain developed by the Optimism Foundation.
The architecture offers several benefits, including shared security powered by Ethereum, seamless interoperability with other OP Chains, and atomic composability that unlocks multichain applications. It currently supports two key projects: S.BLOX Exchange and SNFT, the latter of which is only available in Japan.
Furthermore, the platform leverages strategic partnerships with Chainlink, Astar Network, and Circle. These have provided Soneium with essential infrastructure and liquidity.
Astar Network’s integration of its zkEVM assets and infrastructure with Soneium has created a diverse ecosystem of fungible and non-fungible digital assets.
Since launch, the platform has already onboarded 14 million users and processed 47 million transactions. It also attracted 1,700 devs already lined up for the incubator program.
Memecoins Controversy Invites User Backlash
On the first day of launching, Soneium reportedly blacklisted several memecoins suspected of intellectual property infringement. This led to the restriction of some tokens where users attempting to access them were met with a “No Access” warning.
The targeted tokens imitated or used brands considered protected by Sony or Soneium.
Several users expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).
According to some reports, users lost over $100,000 in Ethereum on the first day of the launch due to the blacklisting. For example, “Aibo,” one of the affected tokens inspired by Sony’s robotic dogs, reportedly valued at approximately $700,000 before being blacklisted.
While Sony claims the blacklisting aimed to protect intellectual property rights and maintain control over the ecosystem, many argue that such actions contradict the fundamental blockchain principles of decentralization and permissionless networks.
Implications for Crypto
Sony’s global brand recognition and vast user base of 900 million devices worldwide have the potential to introduce blockchain technology to a massive audience.
By addressing Ethereum‘s scalability issues, Soneium contributes to the overall health and growth of the Ethereum ecosystem.
As Soneium empowers new creators, it opens up new avenues for monetization and fan engagement in the entertainment industry. It also enables applications spanning entertainment, gaming, finance, and beyond, which could drive innovation across multiple sectors.
For developers, creators, and users alike, Soneium offers a glimpse into a future where blockchain technology seamlessly integrates with our daily digital experiences. This opens up new possibilities for creativity, collaboration, and value exchange.
By combining Sony’s technological expertise and global reach with cutting-edge blockchain innovations, the Soneium layer-2 network can potentially drive mainstream adoption of Web3 technologies.
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