Vitalik Buterin Slams X’s New Location Feature: ‘Privacy Nightmare for Crypto Users!
Ethereum Founder Criticizes X Platform’s New Location Feature Amid Privacy Concerns
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced strong criticism over X’s recently launched feature that displays users’ country locations on their profiles, describing it as a potential privacy risk. The feature, which was rolled out without a clear opt-out option, has sparked heated debate within the cryptocurrency and broader tech community.
X, formerly known as Twitter, introduced the feature to increase transparency and improve platform integrity. According to Nikita Bier, X’s Director of Product, the system automatically reveals which country each account operates from, aiming to provide users and regulators with more visibility into the platform’s activity. Bier framed the update as a tool for verification and accountability, allowing users to discern domestic from international accounts when participating in discussions or sharing content.
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| Source: Xpost |
However, several influential voices in the crypto ecosystem have raised concerns about the implications for privacy and personal security. Vitalik Buterin initially suggested the feature could offer benefits, including insights into how different regions engage with global topics. But after hearing feedback from community members, he reversed his stance, warning that revealing user location without consent could put some individuals at risk. In a public statement, Buterin emphasized that while country-level disclosure typically maintains anonymity for most users, even limited information leakage can have serious consequences for those in sensitive positions or under surveillance.
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| Source: Xpost |
The criticism was echoed by Uniswap founder Hayden Adams, who characterized the mandatory feature as a form of forced doxing. “Opt-in location sharing is one thing, but requiring users to disclose their country crosses a line,” Adams said. He argued that privacy choices should remain under the user’s control, especially for individuals managing substantial digital assets or participating in high-risk online communities.
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| Source: Xpost |
Andrei David, Chief Technology Officer at decentralized finance platform Summer.fi, echoed the sentiment, cautioning that the default implementation of the feature could compromise user safety. “Privacy-sensitive features should default to the least revealing settings rather than maximal disclosure,” he said, pointing out that unintended data exposure could have real-world consequences, particularly for cryptocurrency holders who may be targeted by malicious actors.
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| Source: Xpost |
Several members of the crypto community have highlighted the potential risks associated with exposing country data. High-net-worth investors could become targets for physical attacks or phishing attempts if bad actors can easily determine their location. Some users have expressed concern that the new feature undermines basic cybersecurity best practices for individuals who operate large digital wallets or manage significant crypto portfolios.
In response, X users have shared methods to limit exposure, including turning off country visibility or switching to a more general regional display. These options can be accessed through the platform’s privacy and safety settings. Bier acknowledged that the feature includes a privacy toggle that allows users in countries where speech carries penalties to display only regional rather than national information. This compromise aims to balance transparency with safety, although critics argue it does not fully address the broader privacy concerns.
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| Source: Xpost |
Some crypto venture capitalists have defended X’s decision, noting that the feature could prevent foreign accounts from interfering in domestic discourse or manipulating local trends. Nic Carter, a prominent digital asset investor, argued that while privacy concerns are valid, transparency features can serve important functions in maintaining trust on global social platforms. “There are legitimate reasons to verify where accounts are coming from, especially in politically sensitive or high-stakes financial discussions,” Carter said.
Despite the ongoing debate, the implementation has drawn attention to a larger issue: the tension between privacy, security, and transparency in digital spaces. As cryptocurrency adoption grows and social media platforms continue integrating features that expose more personal data, users and developers are increasingly tasked with balancing visibility with safety. Experts warn that any misstep could have consequences ranging from identity theft to physical security threats, underscoring the need for thoughtful design in online platforms.
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| Source: Xpost |
The discourse surrounding X’s country display feature reflects a broader trend in the tech and crypto communities. With growing concerns over data privacy, individuals managing sensitive financial information are calling for more control over how their information is shared. At the same time, platform operators are under pressure to implement mechanisms that ensure accountability and prevent misuse of digital networks.
As the conversation unfolds, industry leaders are watching closely. For crypto enthusiasts, the stakes are particularly high. The debate over location disclosure touches on fundamental questions about digital identity, personal safety, and the ethics of mandatory transparency in online ecosystems.
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| Source: Xpost |
In conclusion, X’s rollout of the country location feature has ignited a heated discussion among key figures in the cryptocurrency world, from Vitalik Buterin to Hayden Adams. While the platform aims to enhance trust and verification, the move has raised serious concerns about user privacy, security, and potential risks for high-value crypto investors. How X responds to community feedback and balances transparency with safety may set a precedent for other social and financial platforms integrating blockchain technology in the future.
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