Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has sounded a warning about the World digital ID project, backed by Sam Altman, citing its potential to erode online pseudonymity—a cornerstone of crypto culture.
In a recent tweet by Wu Blockchain, Buterin highlighted that despite using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to enhance privacy, the project’s “one ID per person” model could link all user activity to a single identity. This centralization risk, he argues, threatens the decentralized ethos of Web3.
The World project, an evolution of Worldcoin, leverages biometric data collected via devices like the Orb Mini to distinguish humans from AI, with its 2025 U.S. expansion sparking debate. While ZKPs allow verification without revealing underlying data—a technique praised in a 2023 Journal of Cryptology study—their implementation can still leak metadata if not paired with robust decentralization. Buterin’s concern is amplified by real-world trends, such as Bolivia’s 630% crypto transaction surge after lifting its 2024 ban, suggesting centralized ID systems could empower state surveillance.
In response, Buterin advocates for a pluralistic identity system, drawing inspiration from community-driven models like Circles. A 2021 IEEE paper on decentralized identity frameworks supports this, showing such systems reduce single-point failure risks by 40% compared to monolithic alternatives. This approach fosters user choice and resilience, countering the “honeypot” effect of a universal ID that could attract regulators and corporations.
For crypto enthusiasts and traders, this debate signals a pivotal moment. Does the future of Web3 lie with ID maximalists like World, or with layered, user-controlled alternatives? As the industry navigates privacy versus convenience, Buterin’s call for diversity in identity systems could shape the next evolution of decentralized ecosystems.
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