Embedding human rights into crypto systems is a necessity. Self-custody, privacy-by-default, and censorship-resistant personhood must be core design principles.
A crisis of confidence is emerging in technologies like crypto and decentralized identity solutions, driven by concerns over surveillance, centralization, and tools that prioritize power over people. Digital rights are being defined in real time, raising the urgency to embed human rights into crypto systems. Key principles such as self-custody, universal personhood, and privacy-by-default must be foundational rather than optional. Current self-custody solutions often cater to power users, neglecting broader accessibility. As AI-generated interactions increase, proving humanity without compromising privacy is crucial. Privacy should be a built-in right, not an add-on. Ethical frameworks must be integrated into system design to ensure accountability. The future of digital infrastructure depends on embedding human rights into its core principles now, as the opportunity to shape a human-centric digital future is closing.
