Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has issued a strong warning about the serious privacy risks that Worldcoin (Word) may pose.
According to him, while Worldcoin uses zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technology to protect data, assigning each individual a unique digital identity carries the risk of compromising anonymity. This could lead to users’ online activities being traceable, undermining freedom in cyberspace.
Buterin emphasized that the “one person – one account” model pursued by Worldcoin, even when encrypted with advanced technology, could result in users losing control. The inability to use multiple email accounts, social media profiles, or cryptocurrency wallets—which serve as shields for privacy—would place users in a vulnerable position subject to surveillance.
Worldcoin has already expanded in the U.S., partnered with Tinder in Japan, and plans to launch a Visa card. The project is also making significant inroads into markets like the EU and Taiwan. However, Buterin warns that this rapid development has not been accompanied by sufficiently robust privacy protections, creating concerning vulnerabilities.
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To address the growing trend of digital identity, Buterin calls for the establishment of a multi-faceted identification system. In this model, users could verify their identity through multiple platforms, organizations, or independent individuals, rather than relying on a single centralized system like Worldcoin.
“A decentralized system not only helps effectively combat bots but also protects privacy—the core foundation of a free internet,” Buterin emphasized.
Buterin’s warning raises significant questions about the balance between technological utility and personal privacy. As Worldcoin continues to expand its influence, the global tech community is awaiting solutions to ensure data safety while respecting individual freedom in a rapidly digitizing world.
