AIs Rise Threatens Bitcoin Mining: Experts Warn of Network Vulnerability

16.03.2026 240 times read 8 Comments

Krypto-Experte: "KI hat Bitcoin für immer gekillt"

A recent debate has emerged regarding the impact of the increasing shift of Bitcoin miners towards artificial intelligence (AI) on the security of the Bitcoin network. Skeptics warn that a withdrawal of miners could make the network more vulnerable to a so-called "51-percent attack," while proponents argue that Bitcoin's self-adjusting difficulty mechanism will make mining attractive again.

"KI hat Bitcoin für immer gekillt," said crypto influencer Ran Neuner. He believes that AI has become the biggest competitor to Bitcoin mining, as both sectors compete for the same resource: electricity.

Neuner pointed out that the revenue from Bitcoin mining per megawatt currently ranges from approximately $57 to $129, while AI data centers can earn up to eight times more, between $200 and $500 for the same amount of electricity. This significant difference in profitability is leading more miners to pivot towards AI.

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Core Scientific secured loans of up to $1 billion for AI hosting earlier this month, and MARA Holdings has recently filed documents with the SEC indicating a partial sale of BTC as part of a shift towards AI. Additionally, Hut 8 signed a $7 billion AI infrastructure agreement with Google in December.

Cipher Mining has also reduced its hash rate to focus more on AI computing, and Bitmain co-founder Jihan Wu has transitioned from mining to the AI sector. Neuner stated, "If I were a miner, this would not be a difficult decision. That’s why more and more miners are leaving the network every day."

Currently, the profitability of Bitcoin mining, known as the hash price, is near an all-time low, putting companies like MARA under significant pressure. However, Bitcoin pioneer and cryptographer Adam Back argues that automatic difficulty adjustments will only push the least efficient miners out of the market, improving profitability for those who remain.

Neuner contends that the declining hash rate means fewer miners are securing the network, increasing the risk of a 51-percent attack. While such developments have occurred in previous bear markets, he believes this time is different due to a lack of energy resources.

Contradicting Neuner's view, Daniel Batten, a Bitcoin analyst specializing in ESG issues, argues that the data shows AI is dependent on Bitcoin for its expansion. He emphasizes that Bitcoin mining can tap into unused or surplus energy sources, serve as a flexible load in the power grid, and can be economically operated even with older hardware at low-cost locations. Therefore, he dismisses Neuner's statement as "nonsense."

Key Takeaways:

  • AI is becoming a significant competitor to Bitcoin mining due to higher profitability from electricity usage.
  • Major companies are pivoting towards AI, with Core Scientific and Hut 8 making substantial investments.
  • The current hash price for Bitcoin mining is near an all-time low, raising concerns about network security.
  • Contrasting views exist on the relationship between Bitcoin mining and AI, with some experts arguing for the interdependence of both sectors.

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Honestly, it’s wild to think about how fast things are changing in the crypto space! I’ve been following Bitcoin for a while now, and this whole AI thing is a game changer. I mean, when I first got into it, mining was the golden ticket, but now? It’s like everyone’s jumping ship for AI because it’s just way more profitable. I get Neuner’s point about the potential of a 51-percent attack — that’s super concerning if more miners leave the network.

But I kinda agree with Daniel Batten too. The idea that Bitcoin mining can utilize surplus energy? That’s a big deal! It’s not like we’re just wasting resources here; Bitcoin can actually play a role in balancing the energy grid. So, it feels a bit more complex than just “AI is taking over.” There are definitely some miners who will stick around because of this.

Also, has anyone noticed how quickly companies are pivoting? I mean Core Scientific and Hut 8 making those huge moves? It’s like they’re all saying, “Forget Bitcoin, let’s cash in on AI!” I wonder how all this will play out in the long run? Will there still be enough miners to keep the network secure? Or will it come down to just a handful of players? Either way, it’s gonna be an interesting ride — can’t wait to see where this all goes!
Wow this is all super interesting but also kinda confusing lol. Like, I see some people thinking AI is just gonna wipe out Bitcoin mining, and then others like Daniel saying it's more complicated than that. Like how can AI actually help Bitcoin with stuff like unused energy? That sounds smart but I don't really understand how that works. Like, what if we run out of electricity? I read somewhere loads of people are gonna stop mining because it’s less $ now but isn't there a point to having a few really strong miners instead of a ton of them?

And then there's that 51-percent attack thing... sounds scary! But if Bitcoin adjusts its difficulty, wouldn’t that make it harder for attackers too? I don't know, it just seems like if miners leave and the network gets weaker, then it kinda balances out if more people are using AI for profits right? Isn’t it all interlinked somehow?

Also, those big companies like Core Scientific taking loans for AI is wild! It’s like they see a shiny new toy and just forget about Bitcoin. And yeah, wouldn't they just chase the money? But at the same time, how long can that last? If energy costs go up or if AI doesn’t make as much money later, what will they do? Go back to Bitcoin, or will they be too far gone?

Overall, I just hope Bitcoin doesn’t die because it’s been around for so long and I kinda feel like it has a fighting chance with all these adjustments they can make. Just seems like an awkward moment for everyone involved. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
Wow, this whole debate about AI and Bitcoin mining is just fascinating! I mean, when you think about it, the landscape is really shifting fast. I read some of the comments here, and it's wild how split opinions are. On one hand, Neuner's point about AI sucking up all the miners makes sense. Like, if you can make way more money with AI, who wouldn’t want to jump ship? The numbers he mentions are pretty mind-blowing—up to eight times more revenue for AI data centers? That’s hard to ignore.

But then you have people like Adam Back who argue that the automatic difficulty adjustments will keep some miners around, which might actually help secure the network. It’s interesting because while fewer miners might mean vulnerability, it could also mean that only the strongest, most efficient ones remain, which might keep the network more stable in the long run. It's like a natural selection process, sort of?

And honestly, I get where Daniel Batten is coming from too. The idea that Bitcoin mining can actually play a role in energy management is something people don't talk about enough! Like, instead of just being this energy hog, it could act as a safety valve for the power grid. That’s pretty cool when you look at the bigger picture. Have any of you guys thought about how Bitcoin could actually help with renewable energy sources? Like, tapping into surplus energy sounds smart, especially if it creates value for both miners and the environment.

Also, I can’t help but think: what if there’s some futuristic balance we haven’t hit yet? AI is growing, and Bitcoin isn’t going anywhere. They might actually complement each other more than we realize! Imagine a world where Bitcoin could use AI for more efficient mining operations or sustainable energy strategies. That could change the game entirely!

Lastly, I find it super intriguing how quickly these companies are pivoting. It’s almost like they can smell the trend and are moving fast before they miss out. I can’t help but wonder, though, what happens when the novelty of AI dies down, or if regulation starts tightening? It’s like a rollercoaster ride in this space, but I guess that's what keeps it exciting! Can't wait to see how this all unfolds!
Wow, this whole situation is seriously wild! I totally get where Neuner's coming from with his points about AI taking over Bitcoin mining — I mean, who wouldn’t want to chase that sweet profit? But when I think about it, it seems like AI and Bitcoin can kinda coexist, right? Like, sure, AI is pulling some miners away, but it doesn't mean Bitcoin's dead. I get that the hash price is low and all, but isn't that just part of the crazy crypto cycle?

Also, it’s super interesting how some folks are acting like this is a brand-new problem. We've seen fluctuations before; it’s almost like a rite of passage for Bitcoin. Remember when people thought Bitcoin was dying during past bear markets? And somehow, it always bounces back, just like a cat with nine lives!

And about Adam Back’s view on the automatic adjustments — I totally agree that it could push out the less efficient miners while making the stronger players even more profitable. It’s survival of the fittest in a way, isn’t it?

I think it’s really important to consider that not every miner will just jump ship. There are some who are super dedicated and will find a way to adapt. And with Batten’s perspective on Bitcoin mining tapping into unused energy sources? That's a big deal! It shows that there is potential for Bitcoin mining to be an environmentally friendly option if done right.

Plus, look at the way companies like Core Scientific are diversifying — that’s pretty smart! They’re basically saying, “Why not grab the best of both worlds?” So, it could lead to some really intriguing innovations in both fields.

In the end, it feels like there’s still a lot left to play out here. I wouldn’t count Bitcoin out just yet. This industry has a weird way of surprising us when we least expect it! Let’s see where the future takes us.
Man, this whole AI vs. Bitcoin mining thing is getting wild! I totally get what Neuner's saying, though it feels like he’s jumping the gun a bit by saying AI has "killed" Bitcoin. Like, sure, the profits aren’t what they used to be for miners, and I can see why folks are tempted to switch over to AI where the money seems to flow easier. But why does it always feel like everyone wants to declare Bitcoin dead every few months?

I mean, yeah, the numbers he shared about the differences in electricity costs between AI and Bitcoin mining are nuts. But isn’t it kinda shortsighted to write Bitcoin off completely? Adam Back has a solid point about the automatic difficulty adjustments. If they can actually filter out the least efficient miners, then maybe the remaining miners might see some kind of boost once they’re gone?

I noticed Batten's take too and he seems to bring some solid arguments to the table. The idea that Bitcoin mining can actually help with energy grid balancing and can utilize surplus energy from renewable sources is really important! It kinda adds a layer of sustainability to the picture that we shouldn’t ignore. It feels like there’s a bigger conversation about how these sectors can coexist rather than just seeing one as the enemy of the other.

And let’s not forget that mining has faced challenges before and managed to bounce back. What’s to say it won’t happen again? I mean Core Scientific and Hut 8 making those AI moves? Yeah, they’re certainly reacting to the market, but could it also be an opportunity for bitcoin to innovate and adjust to keep up with the times?

In the end, I think we need to stop treating this as a zero-sum game. There’s potential for both technologies to thrive. I’m definitely keeping my eye on how things play out. It will be interesting to see if Bitcoin can adapt or if we’re really witnessing a shift in the landscape. It’s going to be a mad ride for sure!
I gotta say, this whole drama with AI and Bitcoin mining is wild! I was just reading some of the other comments, and man, people have some strong views! But let me just toss in my two cents here.

First, Neuner’s point about the competition for electricity is kinda on point, but then again, isn't that what Bitcoin has always been about? Power consumption and resources. I mean, sure, AI can make bank with the electric they use, but Bitcoin has its own charm. It’s like a roller coaster ride, sometimes thrilling and sometimes terrifying, but people still love it because of the ride! Makes u wonder if both can exist side by side in some kinda weird partnership!

Also, hey, what about Adam Back's idea of automatic difficulty adjustments? I think that’s really interesting and maybe Neuner isn't seeing that side of it? If the less efficient miners are pushed out, isn’t it gonna make it kinda like a natural selection thing where only the strong (or smart) survive? So maybe it won't be as bad as it sounds? Who knows, maybe we'll just have a super efficient mining network at the end of this! It's like survival of the fittest but in the crypto world!

And I gotta agree with Batten too, like how Bitcoin mining can use surplus, unused energy? That seems like a benefit that shouldn't be ignored! I mean, if they can help the energy grid instead of being a burden, that sounds like a win-win almost! I just think this whole debate has so many angles it's hard to wrap my head around it all.

And about Core Scientific and Hut 8? Wow, making big moves like that shows how they’re really trying to adapt, which is smart...but if too many jump ship, what will happen to the Bitcoin community? I mean, we all love a good underdog story! Will Bitcoin still be relevant or even hold its ground against AI in the long run? Just makes me super curious! Ugh, it’s like I'm in a soap opera but for crypto! Crypto soap opera… man that’s hilarious!

Can't wait to see how this plays out!
It's crazy how fast these companies are shifting to AI; I wonder if the increasing importance of surplus energy usage in mining can actually save Bitcoin in the long run, like Batten argues, or if Neuner's fears about security will become a reality.
Wow, what a rollercoaster of a discussion! I gotta say, it's mind-blowing how quickly things are shifting in the crypto world, especially with AI stepping into the ring as a competitor for resources. Ran Neuner's comment about AI killing Bitcoin is pretty drastic, but he does make a solid point about the profitability gap – I mean, eight times more? That's crazy! No wonder miners are jumping ship.

But I really resonate with what Daniel Batten said too. It feels like there's more to this than just a straight-up battle between AI and Bitcoin. The notion that Bitcoin can utilize surplus energy is a game changer, especially in a world where energy resources can be quite limited. Like, if Bitcoin can step in and help balance the grid, that gives it a unique edge, right? It’s not just about the immediate profits; it’s about being a part of a longer-term solution.

And honestly, it’s wild how companies are pivoting so fast. I mean, Core Scientific making a billion-dollar move toward AI? That’s a massive shift! It just makes you wonder — are they really ditching Bitcoin entirely, or are they looking for a balanced approach? Maybe they see that both sectors can thrive together in a smarter energy economy.

About that 51-percent attack worry, I get where Neuner's coming from but I think it’s a bit oversimplified. The network has been through ups and downs before, and while fewer miners can be concerning, Bitcoin's design seems to adapt, right? The difficulty adjustment characteristic is there for a reason.

In the end, this all feels a bit like a chess game. Each move affects the other, and we might not see the full picture until further down the line. I’m curious to see how this plays out, and what unexpected turns we’ll encounter. Whether miners stick with Bitcoin or shift to AI, it’s bound to be an interesting future. What do you all think? Will we see a balance emerge, or are we looking at a definitive shift away from Bitcoin mining? Can't wait to hear more thoughts!

Article Summary

A crypto expert claims that AI is outpacing Bitcoin mining in profitability, leading miners to shift resources and raising concerns about network security. However, some analysts argue that Bitcoin mining remains essential for energy efficiency and grid stability.

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