A new cryptocurrency token called LAPTOP has sparked immediate controversy following its announcement, drawing sharp criticism from traders and prompting several high-profile industry figures to distance themselves from the project.
Creator Warns Buyers Not to Expect Value Creation
The individual behind the token issued a blunt warning to potential buyers via X, stating explicitly that no effort would be made to increase the asset’s value.
“You should not expect me or anyone else to make this token more valuable for you. LAPTOP isn’t just about owning something, it’s about saying something.”
The post arrived amid a hostile reaction from crypto traders over Monday and Tuesday.
Exchanges and Influencers Pull Back
Kraken, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, deleted a promotional post about LAPTOP after traders criticized the exchange for amplifying the project.
Andrew Callaghan, the video journalist behind Channel 5, also distanced himself from the token after learning his audience had been included in a planned token distribution without his consent.
Base Blockchain Denies Partnership
Executives at Base, the Coinbase-built layer-2 blockchain where LAPTOP is set to launch, stressed that the network had no formal partnership with the token.
Base founder Jesse Pollak confirmed the project had approached his team, but said Base made a “conscious decision” not to assist with the token’s design or promotion.
Token Draws on Infamous Laptop History
The LAPTOKEN project references the laptop that became a focal point of political controversy. Data said to have come from the device included emails about overseas business dealings as well as deeply personal photos, messages, and videos involving drug use and private life. The laptop spawned years of political attacks and thousands of online memes.
The token’s creator is now attempting to convert that notoriety into a cryptocurrency asset.
“They turned laptop into a weapon. I turned it into a token.”
