Identity systems must work for the disconnected

The digital age has introduced new identity systems that critically impact human life, yet many remain inaccessible to approximately 2.6 billion people without smartphones or internet access. Current digital infrastructures utilize advanced technologies like cryptographic systems and zero-knowledge proofs, but these often reinforce issues of dehumanization and exploitation similar to legacy systems like national IDs. The need for inclusive identity architectures is pressing, promoting solutions like offline attestations and peer-signed credentials that can function in low-infrastructure environments. The existing systems risk creating a dystopian future by failing to balance accessibility with privacy. Cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies should focus on serving the disconnected and stateless individuals who lack traditional identification, rather than solely enriching those already within the system. A shift is necessary towards decentralized, resilient identity solutions that work even in challenging contexts, ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals.

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