Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, expresses serious concerns about the security of digital identity systems that utilize zero-knowledge proofs. He highlights potential risks of coercion, pseudonymity, and system errors.
Vitalik Buterin's Concerns About zk-Identification
In a recent post, Vitalik Buterin explained that while zero-knowledge (zk) systems improve privacy, they do not eliminate all identity-related risks. He pointed out that zk-wrapped IDs are now being used in projects such as World ID and national digital ID programs in Taiwan and the EU. These systems enable users to verify their identity without disclosing personal details, such as proof of age or citizenship.
However, Vitalik Buterin noted that the most significant issues are not about data leaks but rather the one-person-one-ID rule that many zk-systems enforce. This rule removes the option for users to have multiple identities for different platforms. In today’s internet culture, people often keep multiple online accounts for safety or anonymity. Under zk-ID systems, this becomes difficult to maintain, which increases the risk if a user is ever forced to reveal their whole identity. He also warned that governments or employers might require users to disclose their identities across platforms, thereby defeating the purpose of privacy technology.
Dual Governance Model in Blockchain Systems
In a separate comment, Vitalik Buterin weighed in on the topic of dual governance in blockchain systems. He said that while the model is not perfect, it adds a layer of safety. Dual governance involves giving both token holders and a second group the opportunity to determine system outcomes. He stated that this happens as protocol users or delegates are given a voice in decisions. According to him, this setup can help prevent harmful moves and ensure users stay involved in network development.
He added that it strengthens the defense against possible system misuse by splitting power. This may not resolve every issue, but it introduces additional checks and balances into the governance process. Vitalik Buterin praised the growing adoption of such frameworks across the Ethereum community.
Geth Update: A Step Towards Improvement
It is worth noting that as the market anticipates the Fusaka upgrade, the Ethereum ecosystem received a fresh update with the launch of Geth v1.16.0. The upgrade significantly reduces the size of archive nodes. Instead of needing over 20 terabytes, the new version only requires about 1.9 terabytes. Speaking on the development, developer Marius van der Wijden confirmed that this change utilizes a new PBSS system. According to him, this will make it easier to run full history nodes. It is essential to add that with this recent improvement, it is now possible to query past balances from earlier blocks more efficiently. However, generating full proofs for those historic states is still under development. This update shows steady progress in making Ethereum more accessible and secure for developers and validators alike.
Vitalik Buterin's statements underscore critical security questions regarding new digital identification technologies and governance in blockchain systems. His ideas on dual governance and updates in the Ethereum network serve as a foundation for future developments and adaptations in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
