TechFlow reports that Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has shared his views on digital identity projects leveraging zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, specifically mentioning the World project (formerly Worldcoin), backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He warned that "one person, one identity" systems could undermine the anonymity cherished by internet users, especially within the crypto space—even with ZK-based privacy protections.
In his article, Vitalik Buterin指出 that such systems might force all online activities to be tied to a single public identity, creating significant downsides in a world where threats like drone surveillance are increasing. Removing the option of anonymous protection would be detrimental. He opposes a monolithic "one ID per person" solution and advocates for a diversified model to prevent control over digital identity issuance from being concentrated in any single individual, institution, or platform. While acknowledging that widespread adoption of ZK-based digital identities may help protect privacy and resist Sybil attacks and bot manipulation, he also notes it could restrict users' ability to manage multiple accounts, thereby threatening anonymity.
