Eli Ben-Sasson, associated with Starkware, shares his insights on why Proof of Humanity ought to be the primary aim of blockchain evolution.

During our conversation with Eli Ben-Sasson, who is the co-founder and sitting president at Starkware, we explored his insights on several topics. Starkware Sessions 2023 This pivotal two-day event brought together Ethereum enthusiasts in Tel Aviv, Israel, and in our discussion, we highlighted crucial aspects of web3, cryptocurrency, and the future trajectory blockchains should follow for broader acceptance. Ben-Sasson Vadim: Let’s kick things off with a straightforward question. Can you share a bit about yourself?

Eli: Sure! I’m Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder and president of Starkware. My journey here began as a theoretical computer scientist, where my research eventually led to the development of Starks.

How do you assess the current landscape of web3? What insights do you have about your project's integration into this ecosystem?

Right now, the web3 movement is attempting to leverage blockchains like Ethereum and Bitcoin. Although these platforms are incredibly dependable, they are experiencing substantial congestion due to high demand. At Starkware, we aim to significantly enhance the scalability of these blockchains through advanced mathematics and cryptographic solutions. cryptocurrency market?

So How do you envision the modular future of blockchains and the role of Starkware within that ecosystem? I foresee a future where blockchains morph into a network of islands interconnected via a concept we coined as 'fractal scaling.' This innovative approach enables the existence of multiple semi-blockchains that share the same security level as Ethereum, all thanks to Stark proofs.

We've recently announced our commitment to open-sourcing the Starkware Prover, a critical component that unifies scale and integrity in blockchain technology. By providing this as a public resource, we’re advocating that such technology should be accessible to everyone, rather than being confined to a single entity. It's poised to be the powerhouse fueling this scalability revolution.

How significant do you anticipate this development to be? What are your aspirations for the upcoming year?

Tell more about Starkware’s Prover.

I believe developers are beginning to recognize that this represents the final frontier in scaling blockchain solutions, which can truly accommodate global demand. The enthusiasm among developers is palpable, and they're driving this technology to be integral in everyday scenarios—be it for purchasing a coffee, making international remittances, or reaching consensus on community issues. In my view, this represents the ultimate goal for blockchain scalability.

I find that fascinating. It's clear many developers at this conference share this belief in its potential. My next inquiry relates to identity verification, which seems to be gaining momentum. What are your thoughts on this trend?

Decentralized proofs of humanity and identity are vital conversations in our space. Initially, we relied on proof of work, which provided robust security but posed significant energy concerns. Moving to proof of stake improved energy efficiency, yet it doesn't offer a conclusive solution. Ultimately, we should strive for proof of humanity, reinstating the principle of one person, one vote. To achieve this, we need more advanced identity and humanity proof systems, which I hope will develop swiftly within the web3 framework. every day Are there specific devices required for this, or can we simply rely on our wallets? Do you have any ideas about the ideal approach?

This is a complex issue because economic motivations can lead to attempts at impersonating humanity, which is the crux of a Sybil attack. My belief is that solutions must leverage social graphs and verify collaboration with established individuals recognized as genuine humans. However, I don’t have a concrete solution at the moment, and I believe this domain warrants significant research. decentralized and web3: I see trends in the NFT market settling a bit given the ongoing crypto winter. However, I firmly believe NFTs are here to stay. While the initial excitement may have diminished justifiably, StarkEx has been a leading force in minting NFTs through our technology. Moving forward, NFTs will likely transition to more conventional applications such as event tickets, in-game items, and verifying actual attendance at venues.

As representatives of Metaverse Post, can you share your perspective on the metaverse?

To me, the metaverse embodies the reconceptualization of our societal structures and interactions into a peer-to-peer model via the internet, eliminating the need for central authorities to mediate. It’s about establishing an ecosystem that prioritizes integrity and security, akin to blockchain principles.

Will the metaverse serve as a comprehensive environment for humanity, or will it be just another tool in our digital toolbox? social networks I envision it as a new paradigm for social interaction and a foundation for trust on the internet. While we value face-to-face connections with friends, a significant portion of our lives unfolds online. The metaverse will become the platform where we derive social and economic value, and it will operate on a decentralized framework devoid of monopolistic control like Facebook or Instagram, focusing instead on a peer-to-peer model similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Do you think there is a use case for NFTs and metaverse on Starkware?

NFTs were a huge Please keep in mind that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice. It’s crucial to only invest what you're willing to lose and seek independent financial advice if uncertain. For more comprehensive information, we recommend checking the terms and conditions as well as the support resources provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is dedicated to delivering accurate and impartial reporting, although market conditions may change without prior notice. A founding partner at Cryptomeria Capital and Cryptomeria Labs; previously held the position of CEO at Cointelegraph China. NFTs over Ethereum . Over 95 million NFTs Blum is celebrating its one-year anniversary with accolades for 'Best GameFi App' and 'Best Trading App' at the Blockchain Forum 2025.

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