
Pump.fun's livestream feature is causing trouble: self-harm threats, animal abuse threats, and financial scams are happening.
This raises concerns over safety and regulations in the cryptocurrency space.
Pump.fun faces a big challenge: how to grow and make money without compromising user safety and its reputation.
Pump.fun, a widely used live-streaming platform for crypto enthusiasts, is under fire. Once a celebrated tool for developers to promote their projects, the platform is now mired in controversy.
Many users predict a 97% chance it will be shut down, citing its failure to uphold basic safety standardsโsomething they see as critical for running a serious crypto-focused business.
Livestreams Becoming a Safety Threat
Pump.funโs livestream feature was designed to help developers spotlight their coins, but it has taken a dark turn. In one shocking incident, a user livestreamed a self-harm threat, claiming they would hurt themselves if their coin didnโt reach a $25 million market cap. Unfortunately, this wasnโt an isolated case. Other livestreams have shown users making violent threats, some even targeting pets or other people over their coinโs performance.
These alarming incidents have sparked widespread outrage. Beau, a safety manager at Pudgy Penguins, called for immediate action: โShut down the livestream feature. This is out of control.โ Many now question whether Pump.fun can maintain a safe and professional environment for its users.
Scams Troubling the Platform
Pump.fun has also become a breeding ground for scams. A case involving a student who created the $QUANT meme coin and pulled a rug pull for $30,000 highlights the risks involved. The student was eventually doxxed, drawing attention to how vulnerable investors can be on the platform.
Debating the Future: Shutdown or Stricter Rules?
The Pump.fun community is divided over how to resolve these issues. Some users are calling for the livestream feature to be shut down entirely, while others suggest implementing stricter moderation. Eddie, a legal intern, criticized the platformโs weak governance, labeling its livestream content as โuninterestingโ and โconceptually lazy.โ
Financial Success, But at What Cost?
Despite its troubles, Pump.fun remains financially successful. Since March 2024, the platform has generated $215 million in revenue and launched 3.8 million meme coins, according to DefiLlama. However, its rapid growth brings a significant challenge: how to expand safely while protecting users and its reputation.
The platform may have the numbers, but can it win back the trust it desperately needs to survive?