Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin stated at the 12th Global Blockchain Summit that advancements in AI and data analysis technologies mean that merely separating real names from on-chain transactions is no longer sufficient to protect on-chain privacy. He noted a growing user demand for blockchain applications beyond payments, seeking better performance and functionality. Modern cryptography can extend protection from digital assets to information itself, enabling programmable privacy, where code can determine not only who can transfer assets but also who can access specific information.