Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin Warns Worldcoin’s Biometric IDs Threaten Privacy - Unchained

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin warned that Sam Altman’s World digital ID project poses a significant threat to online pseudonymity and privacy.

In a blog published over the weekend, Buterin argued that under a strict one-person-one-ID system, even if ZK-wrapped, users may be compelled to conduct all online actions under a single, traceable identity.

According to him, this could undermine the flexibility and protection offered by pseudonyms, which are especially important for privacy, whistleblowing, and safety in high-risk environments.

He also noted that centralized ID systems could enable greater surveillance by authorities or corporations, especially if the system becomes dominant or is compromised.

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World ID promises to distinguish humans from AI online using a “proof of personhood” system based on biometric iris scans.

It also aims to enable universal basic income (UBI) by distributing its native token WLD to users.

“Worldcoin does this systematically: anyone with a World ID gets a small but regular ongoing supply of WLD tokens,” said Buterin.

“Personally, I do not expect such tokens to be worth anywhere close to enough to pay for a person’s subsistence.”