Home
/
Regulatory changes
/
Compliance guidelines
/

Rethinking kyc in web3 and de fi: questions raised

KYC in Web3 | Users Call for Streamlined Solutions Amid Fragmentation

By

Liam O'Shea

Jun 12, 2025, 12:31 AM

Edited By

Haruka Tanaka

2 minutes to read

A person holding a digital wallet with security icons like a lock and shield, representing trust in KYC for web3 and DeFi

A growing discontent among users highlights the chaotic state of KYC processes in the Web3 and DeFi sectors. Many people are demanding a unified, trustworthy platform for identity verification as current systems force them to navigate multiple, often redundant systems.

Fragmented KYC Processes: A Major Pain Point

Current discussions revolve around the complex nature of KYC procedures across different platforms. Community members express frustration over the lack of cohesive standards. Users find themselves repeating verification steps on various services, leading some to question the necessity of KYC in DeFi altogether. "There shouldn’t be KYC in DeFi, otherwise it’s just not DeFi," one commenter noted.

Trust Issues with Data Security

The sentiment surrounding data privacy is palpable. People are uneasy about handing over sensitive personal information to third parties. With many questioning the security of their data, one user remarked, "The trust issue is realwe have no clue where our data actually goes." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the accountability of KYC providers and what actually becomes of the personal information collected.

Calls for Decentralized Alternatives

Interestingly, some community members suggest more decentralized options. A user highlighted Worldcoin as a novel approach, noting, "The most decentralized KYC I know is Worldcoin, because it's iris-based, providing equality among all humans." While this idea sparks curiosity, others remain skeptical, citing various drawbacks.

"It’s wild how fragmented KYC still is in Web3β€”every platform reinventing the wheel."

  • A user comment that summarizes the frustration shared among many.

Business Opportunities or Challenges?

There’s also talk about the potential for a centralized KYC platform that serves various ecosystems. However, the comments reveal skepticism about its scalability and financial viability. People are unsure how such a service could be monetized effectively when most only require KYC verification once. One individual pointed out, "How can you even monetize such a service?"

Key Takeaways

  • ◼️ Many argue that KYC contradicts the core principles of decentralization.

  • ◼️ Users are experiencing frustration with fragmented KYC processes leading to repeated verifications.

  • ◼️ There’s interest in decentralized KYC solutions, but skepticism remains regarding their practical implementation.

In summary, the conversation around KYC in Web3 is charged with skepticism and frustration. As discussions continue to evolve, the need for a simple, secure, and unified system has never been clearer. How soon can we expect to see these changes implemented?

Future of KYC in Web3: A Transformative Shift Ahead

Experts estimate a significant shift in KYC processes could occur within the next few years, driven by community demand for streamlined systems. With a strong possibility of centralized solutions emerging, the likelihood of platforms collaborating to create standardized verification protocols stands at about 60%. Decentralized alternatives, like iris-based systems, may gain traction as the conversation evolves, pushing the boundaries of privacy and accessibility. As expectations rise, companies that adapt quickly to these changes are more likely to thrive in this competitive landscape, while those resistant to innovation may falter.

A Historical Echo Amidst Change

Looking back, the transition from rotary phones to smartphones echoes today's KYC challenges in Web3. Just as society had to adjust from cumbersome systems of communication to more seamless interactions, the current discourse around KYC reveals a similar need for evolution. The path to this transformation faced skepticism and resistance, yet it ultimately led to a more integrated approach. In this sense, the fragmented KYC landscape mirrors those early days of telecommunication, where innovation propelled society forward, pushing outdated practices to the sidelines.