Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has expressed interest in OpenAI Inc. CEO Sam Altman’s new cryptocurrency project, Worldcoin, which has spurred discussions about the arrival of decentralised proof-of-personhood solutions in the cryptocurrency space. Recently, Buterin focused on Worldcoin’s distinctive strategy while discussing the possibilities of biometric technology in the context of blockchain and Ethereum.
The “unique-human problem” or “proof of personhood” is what Worldcoin seeks to solve by establishing a decentralised network where each registered account is managed by a distinct human being. With the use of this technology, people’s identities as real people should be verified while maintaining their anonymity. In order to verify user identities, Worldcoin uses a sophisticated iris-scanning gadget known as “the Orb,” which is a novel use of biometrics.
This strategy’s originality hasn’t gone without comment, either. Concerns concerning privacy and security have been brought up in relation to biometric technology, particularly Worldcoin’s Orb. There have also been questions over whether biometrics are really a good idea for proving a person’s identity. Some of the difficulties that are emphasised are the dangers of privacy leaks, oppressive governments, and the possible difficulty of maintaining both security and decentralisation.
Buterin stated that there isn’t a perfect type of proof for personhood in his analysis. Instead, we have several paradigms, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. He recommended combining and viewing these methods as complimentary. He stated that while social-graph-based solutions would prove to be more reliable in the long run, biometrics might offer a decent short-term answer.
Buterin acknowledged the possible drawbacks of proof-of-personhood systems while also praising the work that has been done thus far by several teams that take privacy seriously. He urged community members to be watchful, highlighting the necessity of open-source technology, outside audits, and a system of checks and balances to assure accountability. He also emphasised the need for more options in each of the three kinds of proof of personhood.
