Pi Network is facing fresh controversy as concerns about centralization grow regarding its management of SuperNodes.
Despite their crucial role in validating transactions and maintaining the blockchain, the selection process for these nodes remains opaque, fueling doubts about the network’s decentralization and fairness.
The Centralized Beginnings of SuperNodes
During the testnet phase, Pi Network operated only three SuperNodes, all managed by PCT and located in Canada and Finland. This centralization starkly contrasts with major blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which have thousands of nodes worldwide.
According to Piscan.io, the number of active nodes has now increased to 42, with three main validators. However, details about their identity and operation remain unclear. This raises doubts—does this expansion reflect decentralization, or is it merely a symbolic move by PCT?
After transitioning to an open network, PCT claimed to have expanded SuperNode roles to the Pioneer community. However, the criteria for becoming a SuperNode remain unknown. There is no public list of selected SuperNodes or detailed reports on the number of approved Pioneers.
Community Reactions and Fairness Issues
A Reddit post asking, “What is a SuperNode?” received vague responses from the team, only highlighting their technical role without explaining how to participate. Beyond SuperNodes, many Pioneers express frustration over running nodes without receiving rewards. One Reddit user reported that their node had been active for months without results.
This raises concerns: Do regular Pioneers have a real chance to become SuperNodes? Or is the process limited to a select group with insider knowledge or resources? If powerful hardware is required, it may exclude most users, contradicting Pi Network’s vision of “easy mobile mining.”
Justin Bons, Founder & CIO of Cyber Capital, recently called it a scam, pointing out flaws in its technology, tokenomics, and centralization. Bons highlighted Pi’s reliance on Stellar’s technology, lack of decentralized finance potential, and Ponzi-like mining structure.
Although the Pi Network community is developing PiDaoSwap to prevent price manipulation and Pi Network launched the .pi domain, the Pi Network price has dropped below $1.
SuperNodes are a crucial component of the Pi Network, yet their current implementation contradicts the project’s decentralization promise. To build trust and fairness, PCT must disclose SuperNode selection criteria, publish a list of approved nodes, and establish clear participant reward mechanisms. Only then can Pi Network truly evolve into a decentralized and equitable cryptocurrency ecosystem for all Pioneers.
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