Why Sony Launched Soneium, an Ethereum L2, and Blacklisted Some Memecoins - Ep. 767

This week, Sony launched the mainnet for Soneium, its Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain built on the OP Stack from Optimism. Soneium is designed to support creators, developers, and fans through tools like Sony’s NFT-based Fan Marketing Platform and Soneium Spark.
However, Soneium’s launch has sparked controversy. Its decision to blacklist some memecoins—over intellectual property concerns—has raised questions about the balance between decentralization and protecting creators’ rights. Even Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin weighed in, highlighting the tradeoffs businesses face in Web3.
Sota Watanabe, CEO at Startale, took a quick interview to clear up the misunderstanding about IP infringement. He also explains the vision for the platform and what’s next for Soneium in entertainment and finance.
Plus, at the end of the episode, Laura speaks to Ari Gore, head of communications at Zengo Wallet, about protecting your private keys and your cryptocurrencies from natural disasters.
Show highlights:

01:52 Why Sony decided to launch a layer 2 on Ethereum

05:39 How Soneium will work with creators to support them

11:29 Sota’s response to the backlash about blacklisting memecoins

18:46 How Soneium’s technical implementation protects IP rights

23:56Why Soneium attracts people from certain demographics

27:05 What the L2 blockchain will focus on next

27:05 Tips to protect your crypto safe from natural disasters

34:47 News Recap

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Guests

Sota Watanabe, CEO at Startale

Ari Gore, head of communications at Zengo Wallet

Links

Soneium Mainnet: Invoking Emotion And Empowering Creativity

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Soneium's Philosophy for Responsible Innovation

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