David Holtzman, a former military intelligence professional and current chief strategy officer at the decentralized security protocol Naoris, has warned of the inherent vulnerabilities of centralized data systems. Speaking with Cointelegraph, Holtzman expressed concerns that centralized structures are prone to exploitation by state and corporate powers due to their single point of failure. He highlighted the increasing risks posed by advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which could see centralized systems as lucrative targets.
Holtzman advocated for decentralized systems where AI is mediated through blockchain technology, thereby introducing a human check, and for the development of quantum-resistant algorithms to safeguard private data. He emphasized the need for a shift in the concentration of power, which he believes has disproportionately accumulated with institutions over the past decades. “Corporations today wield an unprecedented amount of influence in most Western countries, a stark contrast to their role in the mid-20th century,” he noted.
As quantum computing threatens existing encryption protocols critical to sectors like finance, healthcare, and military intelligence, the push for decentralized data management grows increasingly urgent. Privacy-focused blockchain platforms and organizations are proactively developing measures to adapt to a future where advanced AI and quantum computers exist.
Avidan Abitbol, project director for the Data Ownership Protocol, stated that Web3’s success hinges on providing privacy options via zero-knowledge proofs. These offer selective data disclosure, protecting user information from being exposed on public blockchains.
Executives from decentralized AI developer Onicai voiced concerns over big tech companies’ AI products, advocating for open-source, user-focused AI solutions as a means of safeguarding self-sovereignty. Meanwhile, Evin McMullen, co-founder of Privado ID, stressed the risks of biometric data exposure through centralized third-party providers. McMullen proposed that individuals retain control over their biometric information by employing selective disclosure methods, ensuring sensitive data is shared only on a need-to-know basis.
