Vitalik Buterin reflects on the zero-knowledge verification voting tool

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin reflects on Rarimo's “freedom tool”. It uses zero-knowledge authentication technology to provide secure online voting.

The freedom tool allows Russian citizens to verify their citizenship and vote anonymously.

Traditional selection faces challenges such as logistical issues and security concerns. Rarimo's solution aims to overcome these barriers by using zero-knowledge authentication technology.

“While voting highlights the dangerous consequences of the trade-off between privacy and digital identity, it really is an online problem. Rarimo's mission is to reverse invasive online habits and bring privacy into the fold of digital identity,” the company explains.

Indeed, zero-knowledge proofs have many practical applications, including private blockchain transactions, secure identity verification, voting systems, and ensuring supply chain integrity. They enable confidential transactions and protect confidential information.

Read more: What are zero-knowledge proofs? Ensuring development for Web3 applications

Vitalik Buterin sees this tool as a major step forward in solving the problems facing Russian citizens today. However, it highlights the challenge of balancing authentication and anonymity online.

“If you have a Russian passport, you can digitally verify your identity without revealing who you are using zero-knowledge authentication technology. So you can participate in online voting and the online voting results will be displayed and they will be hack proof. It is an anonymous voting system,” Buterin said.

This technology can provide strong privacy while maintaining integrity. According to Buterin, it solves the authentication issue with anonymity, creating “at least some protected information about you.”

“Or you're verified, but if you're verified, people know who you are, and they can follow you. Or they're anonymous, but if you're anonymous, no one needs to trust you. This current zero-knowledge authentication technology can solve both problems, Buterin added.

Thus, zero-knowledge proofs can transform modern democracies by addressing current challenges and criticisms. While the tool is currently in beta, successful implementation could lead to growing impact and use cases around the world.