Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has criticized the concept of consortium blockchains, declaring them a failure in a video released on July 20, 2024. Buterin argued that these private blockchains combine the disadvantages of both centralized and decentralized systems, leading to cartel-like structures that lack true openness and privacy. As an alternative, Buterin suggested enhancing existing centralized servers with cryptographic scaffolding. This approach involves anchoring proofs and Merkle roots on-chain, which could improve security without the need for a complete overhaul of current infrastructure.