Buterin: Zero-Knowledge Digital IDs Still Carry Coercion, Privacy Risks

Key Points

1. Buterin highlights concerns that one-identity-per-person systems, even with zero-knowledge proofs, create vulnerabilities by linking previously separate accounts.

2. He acknowledges zero-knowledge technology improves privacy by verifying credentials without revealing personal data but warns strict single-identity systems undermine pseudonymity.

3. Buterin suggests alternative approaches like 'pluralistic identity' models with no single dominant issuer to avoid centralization risks.

4. The analysis comes as Worldcoin surpasses 10 million users, raising questions about scalability and privacy in digital ID systems.