Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has urged the social media platform X to reconsider its newly implemented geo-inference system. He argues that this tool could potentially expose users’ locations, which poses privacy risks, particularly for those in vulnerable situations.

Buterin Highlights Privacy Issues with X’s Location Feature

Recently, X introduced a feature that identifies users’ countries in an effort to improve transparency and combat misinformation. However, this update has faced criticism, and Buterin has expressed concerns about its possible detrimental effects over time.

The 31-year-old advocate for decentralization noted that while there may be immediate benefits, tech-savvy individuals could easily manipulate their locations using various methods such as rented passports or virtual private networks (VPNs).

Geo-inference, which determines a user’s location without GPS by analyzing IP addresses and online behavior, could lead to unforeseen complications. Buterin predicted that this feature might result in the emergence of political troll accounts masquerading as if they were based in the United States or the United Kingdom within six months.

He emphasized the importance of protecting user privacy, stating that general location disclosures can put some individuals at risk, especially if only vague details are shared.

Recommendations for X’s Geo-Inference

Buterin suggests that engaging users in the geo-inference process should be optional and transparent. He expressed:

“I thought about this more and I think responders are right that revealing the country non-consensually without offering any opt-out option is wrong.”
(Translation: He believes not providing an option to decline such disclosure is unethical.)

Buterin’s commitment to user privacy extends beyond this current issue. Earlier in the year, he proposed initiatives aimed at enhancing transaction confidentiality on the Ethereum network, leveraging mechanisms like stealth addresses and zero-knowledge proofs.

He also recently introduced the GKR protocol, which aims to enhance the scalability of zero-knowledge proofs crucial for Ethereum’s privacy framework, ensuring better protection for personal data while supporting various applications like secure voting and digital identity management.