Companies in the Web3 space are increasingly looking to combine artificial intelligence with blockchain-related technologies. On June 19, the popular Ethereum block explorer Etherscan took a major step in this direction by announcing the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its tool suite. The move is aimed at enhancing the understanding and interpretation of ethereum’s source code, which many see as a key step in the democratization of blockchain technology. Etherscan’s new tool, currently in beta, called Code Reader, aims to use the power of artificial intelligence to help users retrieve and interpret the source code of a specific contract address. Etherscan’s integration of ChatGPT into its platform could have a significant impact on how users interact with the Ethereum blockchain, allowing non-coding experts to quickly and easily interpret information about contracts.
Access blockchain contract information
The blockchain browser, called “block explorer”, is essentially a data platform search engine dedicated to the blockchain network. They allow users to view information about transactions and other information on a particular chain. While Etherscan deals with the Ethereum network, block explorers for other chains include Blockstream for Bitcoin and Solscan for the Solana network.
Image credit: Etherscan “Code Reader is a tool that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to provide users with a tool to retrieve and interpret the source code of a specific contract address,” The Etherscan team wrote The tool was announced on its Twitter account at the same time.
Etherscan warns of ChatGPT flaw
This integration is not without its challenges. Etherscan’s code reader runs on its own platform and requires a separate OpenAI API key for an additional fee in addition to a ChatGPT Plus subscription. More importantly, Etherscan issued a disclaimer warning users not to trust the information provided by ChatGPT. This stems from a broader problem prevalent in the AI industry known as “illusionment,” in which AI systems convincingly generate false or misleading information.
🆕 Code Reader (beta) harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to seamlessly learn any smart contract source code! ✨ pic.twitter.com/GTbULisudk— Etherscan (@etherscan) June 19, 2023
OpenAI has acknowledged the problem with hallucinations and is reportedly working on new training models to alleviate them. The issue still exists and users are advised to always verify the responses generated by the AI system. Etherscan’s ChatGPT integration is closer to the rule than the exception in the Web3 space; other blockchain platform developers such as Alchemy and Solana Labs have also launched their own ChatGPT-based tools in recent months. These developments highlight the growing intersection of AI and blockchain technologies, a convergence that promises to unlock new possibilities but also poses significant challenges.
