Cardano Founder Charles Hoskinson Defends Midnight as a Privacy Solution Amid EU Privacy Concerns

TLDR

• Hoskinson defends Midnight as a privacy solution amid EU push for digital IDs.

• Midnight offers selective disclosure for online users, protecting privacy.

• Hoskinson warns of growing digital surveillance in response to EU’s proposed policies.

• Midnight’s mainnet launch could be imminent, addressing rising concerns about privacy.

Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has taken a firm stance against the European Union’s proposed policy requiring all online accounts to be linked to a government-issued digital ID. This move, suggested by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the 2025 World Economic Forum, has raised concerns over the erosion of online privacy. Hoskinson, known for his strong beliefs in decentralization and privacy, positioned Midnight, Cardano’s privacy-focused sidechain, as a necessary tool to preserve digital anonymity and personal data.

Hoskinson’s comments came in response to political commentator Jim Ferguson, who criticized Sánchez’s remarks. Ferguson had warned that the EU’s move could lead to a “digital surveillance grid,” where every online action is tied to an individual’s identity. Hoskinson shared his concerns, framing Midnight as a direct response to the growing threats against privacy. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding individuals’ ability to interact online without being subject to constant surveillance or forced identification.

Charles Hoskinson Insight on Midnight: Cardano’s Answer to Privacy Threats

Midnight is designed to provide privacy for online users while still allowing for regulatory compliance when necessary. Through Midnight, users can engage in transactions and interactions while maintaining control over their identity and personal information. The system allows for selective disclosure, meaning users can choose when and how to reveal their details to regulatory bodies or third parties.

Unlike traditional systems that often require users to link their identities with every online action, Midnight offers a decentralized solution that lets users retain control over their data. This system is positioned as a countermeasure to the EU’s proposed digital ID requirement, which Hoskinson fears could infringe upon individuals’ fundamental privacy rights.

Charles Hoskinson warned, “Don’t let the vampires in,” urging users to adopt privacy solutions like Midnight to prevent the creeping reach of institutional control over personal data. He stressed that, in the face of growing threats to digital privacy, the blockchain and Midnight’s architecture offer a path forward for secure, private, and voluntary online interactions.

Midnight’s Growth and Upcoming Summit

Launched in November 2022, Midnight has undergone several developmental phases, including its DevNet and the recent Glacier Drop of the NIGHT token. The first phase of token distribution took place in August 2025, allowing eligible beneficiaries from various blockchains, including Cardano, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the XRP Ledger, to claim a portion of the 24 billion NIGHT tokens.

The second phase, known as Scavenger Mine, is currently underway, enabling users to earn unclaimed tokens by completing computational tasks. The Midnight Summit, scheduled for November 17–19, 2025, will be a key event, where many anticipate the team will announce the final roadmap for Midnight’s mainnet launch. The excitement surrounding the project has been growing, and its official release is expected to have a significant impact on the privacy-focused blockchain sector.

Hoskinson as a result has emphasized that the Midnight platform’s upcoming mainnet launch will play a pivotal role in shaping how privacy is handled in the blockchain space. The platform’s potential to empower users with control over their personal data while complying with regulatory standards places it at the forefront of the ongoing debate about privacy and digital surveillance.

Road Ahead for Midnight and Privacy in Blockchain

As governments, particularly in the EU, push for more control over online interactions, Midnight stands as a critical privacy solution. Its blockchain-powered infrastructure offers a decentralized approach that challenges centralized, government-mandated systems. With increasing scrutiny on privacy in the digital age, solutions like Midnight are becoming essential for those who value online anonymity and personal freedom.

Hoskinson’s comments as a result underscore a broader conversation within the crypto and blockchain space about how to balance privacy with regulation. As Midnight continues to evolve, its emphasis on AI-driven smart contracts and tokenized privacy offers a glimpse into a future where individuals can engage online with greater security and control over their personal information.

While the regulatory landscape remains uncertain, Midnight provides a potential framework for how privacy and blockchain can coexist in an increasingly surveilled world. With its mainnet launch on the horizon, Midnight could set the standard for privacy in the blockchain industry, offering a solution that empowers users to protect their data without sacrificing regulatory compliance.

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