Vitalik Proposes Secret UN Votes, Ignites Web3 Governance Clash

- Vitalik Buterin's Proposal for Secret Voting on UN Resolutions Sparks International Politics and Web3 Debate - Emphasis on Conscience and Indirect Voting Over Transparency Draws Varied Reactions [Unblock Media] May 21, 2025 — Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has sparked discussions on international politics and Web3 governance by proposing that "UN resolution voting should be switched to a secret ballot system." He stated, "Each country can select its representatives, but once appointed, these representatives should be free to vote according to their conscience," emphasizing that this would reduce diplomatic pressure from powerful countries and enable genuine expression of intent. Buterin extended this argument to the governance of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations). He proposed transitioning from the current structure centered on transparency and real-time response to one that values collective judgment based on intent and conscientious consideration. His remark, "The next wave of democracy will place more emphasis on conscience and indirect voting than transparency," elicited various reactions from Web3 participants. For example, Hororo_Milady positively assessed the proposal as "a fresh suggestion that overturns the premise that transparency is inherently virtuous," whereas 0xBlockToons expressed concern, stating that "if voting decisions are isolated, secrecy could allow room for lobbying and backdoor deals." This discussion is also linked to the introduction of a secret voting system in NounsDAO, a practical DAO example. The zK-based secret voting system supported by Aztec Network is evaluated as preventing 'retaliatory voting' or 'performative mutual voting', enabling free expression of voters' intentions. The voting system in Web3 seeks a transition from simply what is 'visible' to what is 'trustworthy'. Buterin's comments have prompted a reevaluation of the balance between transparency, trust, expression, and responsibility.