Vitalik: World digital ID may threaten online anonymity, suggests adopting a diversified model to issue digital identities

On June 29th, according to TheBlock, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, analyzed the risks and rewards of using zero knowledge proofs for digital identity projects, stating that the proposal of "one person, one identity" may threaten online anonymity. Vitalik said that digital identity projects like World may kill the anonymity enjoyed by many Internet users (especially those in the cryptocurrency field). "On the surface, the widespread adoption of zero knowledge encapsulated digital identity seems to be a huge victory. It can protect our social media, voting and various Internet services from the manipulation of robots and false accounts, while not damaging privacy. However, if implemented too strictly, anonymity may be endangered." Vitalik suggests adopting a diversified model instead of a single zero knowledge encapsulated "one person, one identity" solution, in which no individual, institution, or platform is solely responsible for issuing digital identities.