Buterin Calls X’s New Location Feature 'Risky' as Crypto Leaders Warn of Doxxing
X rolled out a feature that displays an account’s country of origin, prompting sharp criticism from crypto figures. Vitalik Buterin described the change as “risky,” and Uniswap founder Hayden Adams called it “mandatory doxxing,” arguing the visible location data undermines the anonymity many in the crypto ecosystem rely on. The reaction highlights growing unease about platform-level decisions that affect user privacy.
Observers say the update could make pseudonymous developers, traders and activists more vulnerable to targeted harassment, phishing, and government scrutiny, particularly in jurisdictions hostile to crypto. The move may also chill participation in open communities where identity protection is a core safety practice. Crypto stakeholders are urging clearer safeguards and opt-in controls to prevent unintended exposure and protect decentralised communities that depend on pseudonymity.