Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin expressed criticism of biometric identification used by Worldcoin in a new article.
Risks of Biometric Identification
Vitalik Buterin criticized the Worldcoin project, which uses biometric data, specifically eye scans, for user verification. According to Worldcoin, over 13 million unique verifications have been performed using devices called 'Orbs' that scan irises and issue World IDs along with WLD tokens. Despite claims of using zero-knowledge proofs (ZK) to protect user data, Buterin warns that the very architecture of the system, built around a single, persistent identity, could severely undermine anonymity on the Internet.
Global Trends in Identification
Buterin also noted that similar identification models are actively being adopted in regions like the European Union and Taiwan, which he sees as a trend accelerating worldwide. While such tools may help combat spam and fake accounts, he emphasized the danger of standardizing identity in such a rigid, singular way.
Call for Decentralized Solutions
Buterin's main proposal is a shift away from one-size-fits-all solutions. He advocates for a more decentralized and pluralistic approach, where users can maintain different identities across platforms, verified by various institutions rather than a central authority.
Buterin's conclusions highlight the risks associated with centralized identification and the necessity for more flexible and secure solutions for users in the digital age.
