Виталик Бутерин призывает к прозрачности алгоритмов соцсетей с помощью ZK-технологий Translation: Vitalik Buterin calls for transparency in social media algorithms through ZK technologies

Co-founder of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin, has urged social media leadership to adopt cryptographic and blockchain technologies. According to him, this would enhance the transparency and verifiability of content ranking systems.

To address the issue, Buterin suggested utilizing zero-knowledge proofs. This technology would validate the fairness of the algorithms used to determine the reach of posts.

Additionally, the Ethereum co-founder recommended:

His initiative received support from David Krapis, a leading AI specialist at the Ethereum Foundation. He emphasized that platforms should disclose the objectives behind algorithm optimizations so that users can understand their underlying principles.

According to Reuters, Meta has shut down its internal research into Facebook’s impact on mental health after uncovering evidence of harm caused by its products.

Studies have indicated that a mere week without using Facebook can lead to lower levels of depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. A separate scientific report from 2024 linked access to the platform with a heightened susceptibility to misinformation.

The European Union is addressing these issues through the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates platforms to be transparent in their algorithmic operations and to assess risks to public safety and elections.

The DSA also requires social media platforms to grant independent researchers access to data. The failure of X to comply with this requirement was one of the reasons behind the €120 million fine imposed by the European Commission.

Additional complaints against Elon Musk’s company include:

It is worth noting that in November, Buterin voiced his opposition to the geolocation feature in X, labeling it «hazardous.»