Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Calls for Support in Promoting Online Privacy
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has taken on a new role as a privacy advocate, calling for support in promoting online privacy in the face of increasing government surveillance. In response to a report by Rest of World on the widespread use of facial recognition technology by governments worldwide, Buterin highlighted the need to improve privacy online as a means of restoring balance in an increasingly surveilled world.
Buterin’s concerns about online privacy are not new, as he has previously voiced his displeasure on the subject. Just recently, he was involved in discussions about privacy on the Ethereum network, emphasizing the importance of balancing privacy with network scalability and efficiency. The Ethereum developer team has been working on implementing solutions such as ZK-proofs to address these concerns over time.
Many protocols on Ethereum are already exploring the use of ZK technology to enhance privacy. For example, Polygon zkEVM recently received an emergency fix after a blockchain incident, and Argentina’s Capital Buenos Aires has introduced blockchain digital identity with QuarkID and zkSync to improve government operations. These technologies enable entities to validate information without disclosing sensitive details, aligning with Buterin’s advocacy for privacy.
Overall, the goal of these systems is to maintain privacy in line with Buterin’s relentless advocacy for online privacy. As governments continue to expand their surveillance capabilities, support for initiatives that prioritize privacy and data protection will be crucial in safeguarding individual rights in the digital age.