Vitalik Buterin believes that digital identification can destroy pseudonyms
Date: 2025-06-30 Author: Oliver Abernathy Categories: BUSINESS
Vitalik Buterin cited the World initiative, previously known as Worldcoin, which is backed by Sam Altman and Alex Blania. This project has already covered over 13 million users, each of whom underwent a retinal scan to obtain a World ID. According to the company, personal data is protected by zero-knowledge proof technology - users can confirm their "humanity" without disclosing unnecessary information.
At the same time, Buterin draws attention to the downside of such solutions. In his opinion, the mass distribution of digital identifiers can undermine the usual practice of using nicknames and pseudonyms. Even if privacy protection is implemented through ZK proofs, a person will have to conduct online activities under one public account. In a world where drones and digital surveillance are becoming the norm, losing the ability to hide behind a pseudonym could deprive people of an important element of security.
On the other hand, Buterin does not deny the benefits of such tools. He notes that in the context of the active development of AI, digital IDs with zero-knowledge proof can improve the digital environment. They help to ensure that the interlocutor is a real person and not a bot, which is especially important for social networks, voting and other services vulnerable to automated manipulation.
In his blog, Buterin emphasizes that the idea of a single identifier looks tempting - it can rid the Internet of an army of fake accounts without breaking the privacy system. However, there is a nuance: then users will be deprived of the ability to create multiple accounts, as is currently happening, for example, in Google, where a person can register several profiles.
In addition, Buterin reminded that the priority for developers should remain on the side of privacy. In his opinion, it is important not to allow states or large corporations to gain access to user data under the pretext of transparency.
One way or another, the debate about what is more important - security or privacy - will only gain momentum. Projects like World, which combine biometrics and blockchain technologies, open up new horizons, but require a cautious approach, Buterin is sure. According to him, maintaining a balance between protecting the individual and protecting the right to anonymity is one of the main tasks for the entire industry.
