Pi Network Faces Scrutiny as Core Team Controls 83% of Token Supply

Recent blockchain data reveals Pi Network 's core team controls an overwhelming 82.8% of the total Pi Coin supply, intensifying concerns about the cryptocurrency project's commitment to decentralization.

According to data from PiScan, the blockchain explorer for Pi Network, the core team currently holds approximately 62.8 billion Pi Coins across six wallets. An additional 20 billion Pi Coins reportedly sit in roughly 10,000 unlisted wallets also belonging to the team. This concentration represents the vast majority of the cryptocurrency's maximum supply cap of 100 billion tokens.

The centralization issues extend beyond token holdings. Pi Network currently operates with just 43 nodes and only three validators globally, numbers that pale in comparison to established blockchain networks. Bitcoin maintains over 21,000 nodes, while Ethereum supports more than 6,600 and Solana approximately 4,800 nodes. This limited infrastructure places network control in remarkably few hands.

"Analyzing Pi Network's source code and on-chain data is currently challenging due to its incomplete openness," PiScan posted on X, highlighting transparency concerns that compound the centralization issues.

Privacy questions have also emerged following Pi Network's 2025 privacy policy update, which revealed the introduction of artificial intelligence into its verification processes. The updated policy states: "We use ChatGPT, as a trusted AI partner, to automate identity verification and enhance security measures. By using our KYC services, users consent to the use of ChatGPT, and other AI providers that may be later implemented, as part of our KYC process." This AI integration was not mentioned in previous policy versions.

The introduction of third-party AI tools into the Know Your Customer process creates additional complexity regarding how user data is processed, stored and potentially shared.

These mounting concerns add to existing frustrations within the Pi Network community. Users have previously reported technical difficulties during the mainnet migration process. Many have expressed dissatisfaction with extended token lockup periods and limited access to their digital assets, with some attempting to sell their accounts entirely.

Public interest in Pi Network has declined dramatically since its mainnet launch on February 20. According to Google Trends data, search interest for "Pi Network" reached its peak (represented as 100) on launch day but has since plummeted to just 12 at the time of reporting.

While some level of token concentration may be necessary during early blockchain development stages, Pi Network's extreme centralization raises significant questions about its long-term viability as a truly decentralized cryptocurrency project. The combination of concentrated token holdings, limited network infrastructure, and emerging privacy concerns presents substantial challenges for the project's future.

The core team's control over such a significant portion of the token supply particularly contrasts with the decentralization principles that underpin most successful cryptocurrency projects.