In a recent blog post, Vitalik Buterin, the founder of Ethereum, emphasized that privacy is not just an abstract concept but the foundation for individual freedom, social order, and technological advancement. As technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and brain-computer interfaces expand the capabilities of data collection and analysis, the risks to privacy are becoming increasingly severe. However, Buterin believes that advanced tools like ZK-SNARKs (zero-knowledge proofs) and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) can protect privacy in a verifiable way, while urging the Web3 community to actively promote privacy standards and solutions amid rising trends of centralization.
Privacy Is Freedom
Buterin argues that privacy provides the space for individuals to live according to their own needs and goals without worrying about how their actions are judged in complex social "games," including political pressures, social media dynamics, or commercial mechanisms. He shares a personal story of being recorded and shared online without consent, illustrating that privacy is particularly vital for those with unique circumstances. Without privacy, every action becomes a battle of balancing personal interests with others' perceptions, eroding individual freedom.
Moreover, Buterin warns that AI and future technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces, could intrude further into personal lives, potentially even reading our thoughts. Without safeguards, privacy will continue to be threatened by technology business models that exploit data without explicit user consent.
Privacy Is Social Order
One of Buterin’s key points is that privacy plays a critical role in maintaining essential social mechanisms. He cites the example of secret ballots, a vital tool for ensuring fairness in democracy. Without privacy, voters could face bribery, threats, or social pressures, undermining the true meaning of their vote. Similarly, systems like the judiciary, public administration, or corporate governance rely on privacy to prevent manipulation and ensure fairness.
Buterin also argues that allowing governments or law enforcement agencies to access data through "backdoors" is an unsustainable solution. Centralized data is vulnerable to hacks, abuse, or exploitation by untrustworthy regimes. He stresses that the safest approach is to minimize centralized data collection from the outset, keeping data in users’ hands and protecting it with robust encryption methods.
Privacy Is Technological Progress
Buterin asserts that privacy is not just a defensive measure but also a driver of progress. He envisions a world where advanced encryption technologies, such as ZK-SNARKs and FHE, enable secure data sharing without exposing personal information. This is particularly crucial in fields like personalized healthcare, where sensitive health or lifestyle data can improve treatment quality but also carries significant privacy risks.
For instance, air quality monitoring devices could provide valuable data to communities without revealing users’ specific locations, thanks to encryption technology. Similarly, solutions like Privacy Pools in finance allow the exclusion of fraudulent activities without invasive surveillance. These advancements not only protect individuals but also unlock potential for international collaboration and technological innovation.
Challenges and Future Vision
Buterin warns that without action, privacy could erode to historic lows, especially as AI and brain-computer interfaces become widespread. He proposes several specific solutions: performing computations locally to minimize data transmission, using encryption to ensure privacy in remote computing, and requiring transparent, verifiable hardware to protect sensitive data.
Ultimately, Buterin emphasizes that society always needs a balance between privacy and transparency. He calls on the Web3 community and technology developers to collaborate in building open-source, reliable tools to safeguard privacy for everyone. In a world where data increasingly becomes a source of power, ensuring privacy is not just a personal matter but the key to maintaining freedom, order, and progress for society as a whole.
Source: https://vitalik.eth.limo/general/2025/04/14/privacy.html