A crisis of confidence is emerging in emerging technologies like crypto and decentralized identity solutions. Concerns include surveillance overreach, centralization disguised as innovation, and tools serving power over individuals. Embedding human rights into crypto systems is crucial for legitimacy and user empowerment, with principles like self-custody and privacy-by-default being prerequisites for advancing human freedom.

Self-custody in crypto faces challenges like centralized exchanges collapsing and usability issues with existing custody tools. The next generation of custody solutions must balance user control and accessibility at scale, focusing on safety, simplicity, and sovereignty. Universal personhood is essential in the digital realm to combat bots and AI interactions while preserving privacy and individual autonomy.

Privacy must be a default setting in Web3 systems, minimizing data collection and prioritizing user protection. Responsible system design, open governance, and alignment mechanisms can address risks of ethical frameworks being co-opted. Embedding human rights as internal operating principles in digital infrastructure is imperative for a future that serves humanity and empowers communities.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Embedding human rights into crypto isn’t optional, it’s foundational