Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Raises Concerns Over Digital ID Projects Threatening Pseudonymity

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has issued a warning about the potential risks posed by zero-knowledge digital identity projects, such as World, which is backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman. Buterin cautions that these systems, while designed to verify human uniqueness without exposing personal data through ZK proofs, could inadvertently lead to centralized identity regimes. Notably, World's biometric Orb device has already enrolled 13 million users, raising concerns about the erosion of pseudonymity in the digital space. This development highlights the ongoing tension between privacy and identity verification in the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Vitalik Buterin Warns Digital ID Projects Could End Pseudonymity

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has raised alarms about zero-knowledge digital identity projects, cautioning that systems like World—backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman—could erode pseudonymity. While these frameworks use ZK proofs to verify human uniqueness without exposing personal data, Buterin warns of a slippery slope toward centralized identity regimes.

World's biometric Orb device has already enrolled 13 million users, leveraging ZK technology to mask identity data. Buterin's critique centers on the risk of collapsing digital personas into singular, state-approved identities. "Under one-per-person ID, even if ZK-wrapped, we risk coming closer to a world where all of your activity must de-facto be under a single public identity," he wrote.

The ethereum creator's intervention highlights a growing tension in crypto's identity layer—privacy-preserving tech may ironically enable more pervasive surveillance. As projects like World gain traction, the debate over pseudonymity versus accountability reaches inflection point.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Is $10,000 Coming Next Cycle?

Ethereum has regained momentum with a sharp upward move, retesting weekly highs after a period of stagnation. Over 35 million ETH—nearly 30% of its total supply—is now staked, creating a supply squeeze that historically precedes price surges when demand accelerates.

Analysts recall Ethereum's past bull runs: a 300x surge in 2017 and a 50x rally in 2021. While such extremes aren't expected this cycle, a sixfold increase from current levels could propel ETH past $10,000.

Short-term technicals remain bullish. Holding above $2,415 suggests continued upside, with resistance tests NEAR Thursday's peak signaling building momentum. A breakout could target $2,570-$2,620, confirming bullish control.

Ethereum Whale Activity Sparks Market Speculation as Analyst Eyes $4,000 Target

Decade-old Ethereum wallets are stirring as the cryptocurrency shows signs of renewed momentum. A dormant address from Ethereum's 2014 ICO era transferred 1 ETH after ten years of inactivity, revealing an extraordinary 787,000% return on an initial $310 investment now valued at $2.44 million.

Market observers note parallel activity with another whale moving $12.1 million worth of ETH to Kraken exchange. These movements coincide with analyst Cyclop's prediction of ETH reaching $4,000 this summer, despite Standard Chartered revising its 2025 target downward to the same level from previous higher estimates.

The reactivation of legacy wallets occurs against a backdrop of record-high ETH accumulation, even as the asset trades 49% below its all-time peak. Short positions have reached unprecedented levels, creating what some traders view as potential fuel for an upward price movement.

Everstake Hosts Ethereum AMA on Post-Pectra Institutional Readiness

Everstake convened Ethereum Foundation experts Jason Chaskin and Eric Siu to assess institutional adoption barriers post-Pectra upgrade. The upgrade's EIP-7251 simplifies large-scale validator operations, though 420,000 ETH now sits in the entry queue with week-long wait times.

"Enterprise infrastructure is materializing," noted Siu, citing Stripe's acquisition of wallet provider Privy. While MEV and compliance remain off-chain challenges, the protocol's scaffolding now supports institutional participation. "The margin for error is zero when deploying nine-figure capital," he added.