Ethereum Updates Today: Buterin Cautions That X's Push for Transparency Might Undermine the Core Privacy Principles of Web3

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Bitget-RWA2025/11/24 20:52

By:Bitget-RWA

- Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin warns X's geo-inference tool risks eroding privacy and enabling disinformation through location spoofing. - The tool's non-consensual country labeling lacks opt-out options, raising ethical concerns about transparency vs. user control. - Buterin advocates privacy-first frameworks for Ethereum, including Railgun and ZK proofs, to strengthen blockchain anonymity. - Web3 platforms face growing pressure to balance transparency with privacy, as COTI and others frame data pr

Vitalik Buterin, one of the founders of

Ethereum

, has expressed serious concerns about X's newly introduced geo-inference feature, cautioning that it could compromise user privacy and give bad actors new ways to sway online conversations. This tool, which tags user profiles with their country of origin in an effort to fight misinformation, has faced backlash because advanced users could potentially fake their locations by using rented passports, different IP addresses, or alternative phone numbers

as Buterin has pointed out

. According to Buterin, although this feature might bring some immediate clarity, it could also foster a misleading sense of safety and, within half a year, actually help spread false information

based on his evaluation

The geo-inference mechanism, which tries to determine a user's location without relying on GPS by examining IP data, device configurations, and browsing patterns, has become a major issue for privacy supporters. Buterin argued that exposing a user's country without their consent and not providing an option to opt out raises ethical concerns. "After giving it more thought, I agree with those who say that disclosing someone's country without their agreement and no opt-out is unacceptable," he commented,

urging for a model that respects both openness and user autonomy

Buterin's worries are consistent with his ongoing work to enhance privacy within blockchain technology. Not long ago, he introduced

a privacy-focused architecture for Ethereum

, featuring solutions such as Railgun and Privacy Pools, which are designed to support private transactions and secure digital wallets. Supported by the Ethereum Foundation, this project seeks to establish privacy as a fundamental aspect of the blockchain, aiming to close gaps in user anonymity and data security. At the Ethereum Cypherpunk Congress, Buterin reaffirmed that Ethereum is progressing toward greater privacy, with initiatives like Kohaku and zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs forming the core of its next-generation infrastructure

as he explained

The ongoing discussion about privacy in the digital era has become more pressing as Web3 platforms try to balance openness with protection. In a post on Medium, the COTI team echoed Buterin’s perspective,

describing privacy as a "human right" that is crucial

for achieving Web3’s vision of decentralization. They warned that if blockchain transparency is left unchecked, it could lead to surveillance, self-censorship, and exploitation, threatening the core values of independence and liberty that Web3 aspires to protect.

Buterin’s criticism of X’s geo-inference feature highlights a rising demand for technology firms to implement privacy-first principles. While X’s tool is intended to promote responsibility, opponents caution that it could be misused to deceive users or endanger people in oppressive countries. The Ethereum co-founder’s push for voluntary privacy options and transparent frameworks signals a broader movement in tech toward prioritizing user data rights, as both lawmakers and developers increasingly see privacy as essential and non-negotiable.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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