AVAX Blockchain Explorer to Shut Down Amid Controversy Over Etherscan Fees

In a surprising move, Snowtrace.io, a popular blockchain explorer tool for Avalanche (AVAX), has announced that its website will be shutting down on November 30. The explorer, which has been powered by Etherscan’s Explorer-as-a-Service (EaaS) toolkit, will no longer be available to users. This has generated controversy in the crypto community, with some speculating that the decision is related to the high fees associated with Etherscan’s service.

What Led to the Shutdown?

The Snowtrace team has not explicitly stated the reason behind the decision to shut down their Etherscan-powered explorer. However, it is worth noting that Mikko Ohtama, co-founder of tradingprotocol, highlighted the issue of Etherscan’s service fees. According to Ohtama, an annual subscription to EaaS can cost millions of dollars.

While Etherscan is widely regarded as a reliable product, Ohtama emphasized the importance of decentralizing smart contract verification. The fact that the source code is hosted by a private company in Malaysia raises concerns, especially from regulators and others who seek transparency and accountability in the crypto space.

What’s Next for AVAX Users?

Despite the shutdown of Snowtrace’s Etherscan-powered explorer, Phillip Liu Jr., head of strategy and operations at Ava Labs, reassured users that the AVAX protocol is “moving onto something better” and will continue operating. It is believed that the decision to discontinue the Etherscan-powered explorer is part of a strategic move to explore alternative options that offer greater decentralization and cost-effectiveness.

For users who have been relying on Snowtrace’s explorer, it is important to save their backup information before November 30. This includes private name tags, contact verification details, and any other relevant data. Failure to do so may result in the loss of important information.

The Role of Etherscan’s EaaS Service

Etherscan’s EaaS service provides blockchains with a block explorer and application programming interface (API) solutions. While it offers a valuable service, the decision to discontinue Snowtrace’s explorer highlights the challenges associated with relying on a centralized service. Discontinuation can occur due to non-renewal of service agreements, bandwidth issues, or limited traffic, leaving users in a vulnerable position.

As the crypto industry continues to evolve, it becomes crucial to explore decentralized alternatives that offer transparency, security, and cost-effectiveness. Users should prioritize platforms that adhere to these principles and provide robust and reliable services.

Editor Notes: Trust in Decentralization

The shutting down of Snowtrace’s Etherscan-powered explorer highlights the importance of decentralization in the crypto industry. While centralized services may offer convenience, they also introduce vulnerabilities and dependencies that can be limiting in the long run. As users and investors, it is crucial to prioritize platforms and protocols that embody the principles of decentralization, transparency, and accountability.

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