Hey there, tech lovers! Today, we’re diving into the latest buzz about digital identities and privacy.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin raises eyebrows over Sam Altman’s new project, World. Originally called Worldcoin, it’s backed by Altman and his team at Tools for Humanity, aiming to verify humans through eye scans and blockchain IDs.

Buterin shares that while the idea of using zero-knowledge proofs to keep identities private is promising, there are serious risks. He explains that the system could inadvertently turn into a “one-per-person” ID, which might threaten pseudonymity and user privacy, especially with growing threats like drones.

He highlights real-world issues, like the recent US policy requiring visa applicants to make their social media accounts public, exposing personal data. Even if IDs are kept private, governments could still demand access, forcing individuals to reveal their activity under threat.

To address these concerns, Buterin advocates for a multi-faceted approach called “pluralistic identity.” This concept involves multiple, decentralized identity systems issued by various authorities, allowing users to protect themselves and maintain privacy in an increasingly risky digital environment.