Vitalik Buterin: Risks of Digital ID Projects
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced concerns about digital identity projects such as World, which claims over 13 million users. In a recent post, Buterin discussed the risks and potential rewards of digital ID projects using zero-knowledge proofs. He raised significant concerns about the impact of projects like World—supported by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—on online pseudonymity. Buterin highlighted the risk of these projects enforcing a single public identity for all online activities, which could be detrimental in a world where personal safety risks are increasing. Buterin critiqued the rigid implementation of 'one-per-person' systems and cautioned against the loss of benefits offered by pseudonymity, like managing multiple accounts. While he acknowledged the usefulness of distinguishing humans from bots, he advocated for a decentralized approach to digital identities, warning against centralized control.
FAQ
❓ What are Vitalik Buterin's concerns about digital IDs?
Buterin is concerned that digital IDs, like World, could compromise online pseudonymity by enforcing a single public identity per user.
❓ What is World, and how does it work?
World is a digital identity project where users validate their identity through biometric data, receiving a digital ID and crypto bonuses.
❓ Why does Buterin support a decentralized digital ID approach?
He believes that decentralized control can preserve pseudonymity and prevent rigid, one-per-person identity restrictions.