Sony’s Soneium Mainnet Launches to Streamline Web3, Faces Community Criticism
Sony has officially launched the mainnet for Soneium, its layer-2 (L2) blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, aimed at simplifying blockchain usage and enhancing the Web3 experience. Built on the Optimism Foundation’s OP Stack, Soneium integrates an NFT-based Fan Marketing Platform and Soneium Spark, designed to support creators, developers, and fans.
The platform features collaborations with Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and Sony Music Publishing, leveraging NFTs to grant fans exclusive content and foster deeper engagement.
Mixed Reception and Controversy
While some users have praised Soneium for its potential to transform fan engagement, others have voiced concerns over its approach to contract restrictions. Criticisms emerged after the platform blacklisted certain contract addresses, with some users alleging that up to $100,000 worth of Ether (ETH) was affected by the policy. A pseudonymous figure from Pump.fun accused the platform of effectively nullifying user holdings.
Soneium’s policy targets addresses suspected of intellectual property (IP) infringement, as outlined in its official documentation.
Sony’s Response to Criticism
In response, Soneium’s director, Sota Watanabe, clarified that only two specific contracts were restricted due to IP violations. He reassured users that no funds were frozen, explaining that the blacklist only limits public RPC interactions with flagged contracts. He also emphasized that developers can appeal the restrictions, and one affected project is already working to comply with the platform’s policies.
“We are taking a focused approach that protects creators’ rights while minimizing disruption,” Watanabe stated.
Bringing Blockchain to Everyday Users
Sony’s broader vision for Soneium is to simplify blockchain technology for mainstream users, aiming to onboard billions into Web3 by removing technical complexities. The platform is designed to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3, providing tools to safeguard intellectual property and enable profit-sharing for creators.
“We see Soneium as a pivotal step in building an open internet that unites diverse communities and transcends cultural differences,” Watanabe explained.
Future Outlook
Despite the initial backlash, Sony’s partnerships and NFT use cases, such as exclusive content access for Amazon Prime Video users, position Soneium as a key player in Web3 adoption. With ongoing efforts to address user concerns, the platform aims to redefine fan engagement while ensuring compliance with IP protection measures.
