Pi Network is encountering a significant challenge with nearly half of its nodes being clustered in Vietnam. This concentrated presence in Vietnam, combined with the country’s tightening regulations on cryptocurrencies, is posing concerns regarding the project's decentralization and future stability.
Additionally, worries are amplified by the fact that the core team has control over most of the Pi Coin (PI) supply, which exacerbates the existing apprehensions.
Does Pi Network Face Uncertainty Ahead?
As per data from Piscan, Vietnam holds 154 out of 319 nodes globally, making up 48.2% of the total. At present, 33 out of 76 active nodes are situated in Vietnam, emphasizing the country's dominant position.
It is noteworthy that the Pi Network has just two validator nodes, both owned by the core team. This centralization issue raises questions about the network's credibility.
Moreover, the concentration of watcher nodes in Vietnam raises additional worries about fairness and decentralization, as users from one country could wield disproportionate influence over the network's operations.
Adding to the complexity is Vietnam's legal framework which does not recognize virtual currencies like Pi Coin as legal non-cash payment instruments. Utilizing Pi Coin for transactions could lead to fines or even criminal charges under Vietnamese law.
The cautious regulatory stance is evident as Vietnamese authorities have investigated Pi Network due to concerns about its operational model. The Ministry of Finance in Vietnam has proposed stricter regulations to oversee cryptocurrencies, potentially impacting local miners and the stability of the Pi Network.
Furthermore, Pi Network's token distribution is centralized, with Pi Foundation wallets holding a significant portion of the total supply. This concentration undermines trust and the decentralized principles that cryptocurrencies aim to uphold.
Recent allegations of insider selling have further damaged trust in the project, necessitating the addressing of these vulnerabilities to maintain credibility and ensure long-term stability for a project that promotes itself as a decentralized ecosystem driven by users.