Privacy-preserving alternatives exist. The question is whether societies will require them strongly enough before identity-payment systems become too linked to unwind.
What to notice
Technical safeguardsVerifiable credentials, selective disclosure, DIDs, zero-knowledge proofs, blind signatures, offline payments, and data minimization can reduce routine surveillance.
Legal safeguardsPurpose limitation, appeal rights, human review, legislative privacy guarantees, and continued cash access are public-interest requirements.
Reader takeawayThe policy conversation can be urgent without being hysterical.
Discussion questions
- What privacy should be non-negotiable for public money?
- How do we preserve access for people who cannot or will not use digital identity systems?
