Vitalik warns that a single digital identity system could end the era of online anonymity.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin issued a stern warning in a blog post published on June 28 regarding the current methods of digital identity management, particularly the risks posed by 'one person, one identity' systems like Worldcoin. He pointed out that although zero-knowledge (ZK) technology has greatly improved privacy protection, applying it to rigid identity structures also introduces new risks.
Vitalik emphasizes that the greatest threat of a single digital identity system is the potential end of online anonymity.
He stated, 'Under a one person, one identity system, even wrapped in ZK proofs, we face the risk that all activities must occur under a single public identity.'
This design could deprive pseudonyms of their benefits and open the door to coercive actions.
He directly links this risk to real-world dangers, including political surveillance and the rise of AI-driven tracking tools. Vitalik warns that governments, employers, or platforms may require individuals to link all identities or disclose activity records, and even with ZK technology, the entire digital footprint could become a single point of vulnerability.
Worldcoin's global expansion raises privacy concerns, with 13 million user data in the spotlight.
Worldcoin (now rebranded as World), supported by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has persuaded over 13 million people to scan their irises with its silver orb in exchange for a 'World ID' and some $WLD tokens. On the surface, it offers a universal personality proof that protects personal data.
However, Vitalik Buterin is skeptical of this promotion. He believes that projects like Worldcoin could pose biometric surveillance risks, especially in high-risk environments where biometric identifiers are easily forged or abused. In extreme cases, he warns that hostile governments could even create identities to undermine decentralized systems.
Worldcoin has recently gained global momentum after its launch in the United States, and the company is planning to launch a Visa card while partnering with Japan's Tinder to verify user identities. While some praise this as a significant step towards a more secure digital world, critics argue that it could pose risks of large-scale biometric surveillance.
Further Reading
Worldcoin network launches Visa card! Supports WLD crypto payments and enters the online dating market.
Eliminate online armies? Reddit reportedly considers World ID iris verification, users: 'If you dare to use it, I will delete my account.'
A multi-identity framework as a solution, balancing privacy and security needs.
To combat these issues, Vitalik proposes a 'multi-identity' framework that supports flexibility and decentralization. He explains, 'Multi-identity refers to an identity system without a single dominant issuing authority, whether it be individuals, institutions, or platforms.'
Multi-identity can take two forms:
The first type is explicit, community-trust-based identity, such as peer-to-peer proof networks. Projects like Circles use this method, allowing users to mutually guarantee each other based on a shared network.
The second type is implicit, where people can access services through various login methods, such as email providers, social media accounts, or national IDs.
Image source: Vitalik Buterin's latest snapshot of the Circles identity graph, Circles is currently one of the largest social graph-based identification projects.
Vitalik believes that this multi-faceted approach is inherently more resilient. Individuals with compromised biometric features can still hold passports, while those without national documents can still verify their identities through community-based proof.
He warns, 'If the market share of an identity system approaches 100%, it will shift the world from multiple identities to a one identity model, which has worse characteristics.'
Vitalik's ultimate call to action is clear: the cryptocurrency community should cultivate systems that embrace complexity, redundancy, and user choice, as this is the only real path to protecting privacy and inclusivity within a decentralized ecosystem. As we enter the age of AI surveillance, this debate about the future of digital identity will determine the fate of internet freedom.
'Vitalik warns again about Worldcoin: World ID holds the personal data of 13 million users, threatening internet freedom' was first published in 'Crypto City'.
