Vitalik: World Digital IDs May Threaten Online Anonymity, Recommends Issuing Digital Identities Through Diversified Models

According to Jinse Finance, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, in his analysis of the risks and rewards of digital identity projects utilizing zero-knowledge proofs, stated that the "one person, one identity" proposal could threaten online anonymity. Vitalik noted that digital identity projects like World could undermine the anonymity enjoyed by many internet users, especially those in the cryptocurrency space. "At first glance, the widespread adoption of zero-knowledge-wrapped digital identities seems like a huge win—it can protect our social media, voting, and various internet services from manipulation by bots and fake accounts, all without compromising privacy. But if implemented too rigidly, it could endanger anonymity." Vitalik suggested adopting a diversified model rather than a single zero-knowledge-wrapped "one person, one identity" solution, where no individual, institution, or platform is solely responsible for issuing digital identities.