Ethereum’s white-hat hacker Vitalik Buterin has proposed AI-driven “stewards” to redesign the governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). This system will utilize advanced technologies such as zero-knowledge proofs and secure environments (MPC/TEEs) to protect voter identities and sensitive information, thereby preventing coercion and bribery. DAOs are blockchain-based automated organizations where decision-making occurs through community member voting, and they hold particular significance on the Ethereum blockchain due to numerous projects operating without centralized authority. However, current governance models face challenges including voting fraud, identity exposure, and external pressures. Buterin’s proposal envisions AI stewards providing an autonomous, transparent mechanism that secures the voting process while enhancing governance quality. These stewards will automate decision-making while preserving voter anonymity, aiming to increase transparency and trust in DAO governance amid the expanding global scope of decentralized governance. This development arises as the Ethereum community seeks more effective and secure decentralized governance systems. Over the years, DAOs have played a prominent role in financial, social, and technical sectors, yet governance issues have hindered their progress. Leveraging artificial intelligence to address these challenges could spark a new revolution in the blockchain space. Although still in early stages, successful implementation could significantly improve governance not only on Ethereum but across other blockchain platforms, despite potential technical and ethical complexities that must be resolved.
Source: coindesk