Decentralized Systems Gain Importance Amid AI And Quantum Threats

According to Cointelegraph, David Holtzman, a former military intelligence professional and chief strategy officer of the Naoris decentralized security protocol, has highlighted the vulnerabilities of centralized data systems. Holtzman argues that these systems are prone to abuse by state and corporate actors due to their single point of control. He emphasizes that the security of centralized systems is increasingly threatened by advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Holtzman suggests that decentralizing AI through blockchain technology can introduce a human oversight element, while quantum-resistant algorithms can protect private data. Despite these measures, he warns that the concentration of institutional power remains a significant concern. He believes that humanity is on the brink of a major shift, as institutions have accumulated excessive power over the past 50 years, surpassing even the influence they held in the mid-20th century. The urgency to decentralize data systems is underscored by the potential of quantum computers to compromise encryption standards used in various sectors, including digital finance, healthcare, and military intelligence. As the world anticipates the rise of generalized artificial intelligence and scalable quantum computers, privacy-preserving blockchain protocols are being explored as a solution. Avidan Abitbol, project director for the Data Ownership Protocol, has stated that institutions are unlikely to adopt Web3 technologies without robust privacy measures. He advocates for the use of zero-knowledge proofs to enable selective disclosure, thereby protecting data from being easily tracked by malicious actors. Executives from decentralized AI developer Onicai have also expressed concerns about AI products from major tech companies, emphasizing the need for decentralized AI to ensure self-sovereignty and prevent corporate control over AI technologies. Evin McMullen, co-founder of Privado ID, a decentralized identity solution, has highlighted the risks associated with biometric data exposure to centralized third-party service providers. McMullen advocates for selective disclosure of biometric identifiers, allowing individuals to control access to their sensitive data on a need-to-know basis. This approach aims to protect personal information from being exploited by large tech companies.