Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has expressed serious concerns regarding the digital identity project World, created by Sam Altman.
Concerns about Digital Identity Systems
Buterin noted that projects like World could pose a threat to user anonymity online. He pointed out that such systems, while beneficial, could lead to all activities being tied to a single identity.
Benefits and Drawbacks of ZK Technology
In his recent paper, Buterin assessed the potential benefits and risks of digital identity systems using zero-knowledge (ZK) technologies. He acknowledged that ZK can enhance privacy, but a single identification approach might be harmful in the long run. Buterin also noted that similar systems are becoming widespread in regions like the European Union and Taiwan.
Suggestions for Enhancing Identity Systems
As an alternative, Buterin proposed a more pluralistic identity model, where different institutions, platforms, and individuals could provide identities in various ways, rather than relying on a singular system.
Buterin continues to advocate for user privacy, raising important questions around digital identity projects like World and emphasizing the need for diverse approaches to identity.
