币界网报道：What’s attracting institutions to the blockchain space? It’s not just decentralization, but the architecture behind it. However, one element stands out as the ultimate enabler: privacy. Ethereum [ETH], which has long been at the center of Web3 innovation, is doubling down on zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to make this happen. But if each digital identity is tied to only one person, does that create new risks around tracking, surveillance, or misuse of identity? The Promise and Risks of ZK Identity Systems Ethereum is redefining digital identity through zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs — a technology that lets users prove they are real, unique individuals without exposing personal information. Instead of logging in and sharing data with an email or social media account, users can create private, application-specific IDs that can’t be linked across platforms. This provides a huge boost to privacy and is a key reason why ZK identity is gaining momentum. Still, there are trade-offs with this technology. Enforcing a strict one-ID-per-person model could undermine the online freedoms that pseudonyms have traditionally provided, especially for artists, builders, and activists in the Ethereum ecosystem. There are also questions of fairness. Identity systems based on government documents or biometrics can exclude those who lack an official ID or have multiple valid IDs. Ultimately, Ethereum is not just adopting ZK identity, it is uniquely positioned to shape the direction of this powerful technology. The Identity Dilemma: Ethereum’s Philosophical Choices Ethereum is at a philosophical crossroads. Some argue that it should avoid identity altogether and instead rely on “proof of capital” such as staking tokens or owning assets to discourage spam and fake users. But this could create a system where wealth equals power — especially in areas like voting — which goes against Ethereum’s core values. It undermines the decentralized principles on which the network was founded. A better fit for Ethereum might be pluralistic identity. It allows people to have multiple online identities but adds cost or effort to prevent abuse. For example, someone could use different IDs for work, activism, or creative projects. But it would be harder or more expensive to create a large number of fake identities, discouraging spam or manipulative behavior. In this sense, Ethereum is not just adopting ZK identity; it is helping to shape what digital identity could and should be. The goal is not a perfect ID, but a system that protects privacy, gives people freedom, and reflects everything blockchain stands for.