Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bhutan Anchors National Digital ID on Ethereum With Full Migration Targeted for Early 2026

Officials say zero-knowledge techniques will keep personal data off-chain.

Overview

  • The move was publicly launched in Thimphu on Oct. 13–14 at a ceremony attended by Aya Miyaguchi, Vitalik Buterin, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
  • Government statements say the integration is complete, with roughly 800,000 resident credentials scheduled to be migrated by Q1 2026.
  • The platform links decentralized identifiers to Ethereum and issues verifiable credentials while storing sensitive information off-chain and proving attributes through cryptographic proofs.
  • Bhutan’s identity stack progressed from a Hyperledger Indy pilot to Polygon in 2024 before selecting Ethereum as the public settlement layer.
  • Supporters cite greater auditability and resilience, while experts warn of privacy, permanence, fees, wallet usability, and connectivity challenges that require strong safeguards.