Zcash founder Zooko has shared his insights on the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the importance of privacy in the age of AI. In a recent interview, Zooko reflected on the parallels between the current state of the crypto movement and the history of Linux, expressing concerns that cryptocurrencies might follow a similar path of limited impact on ordinary users. He highlighted the advancements in cryptographic technologies, such as zero-knowledge proofs, as significant achievements funded by the crypto industry. Zooko also addressed the challenges of user experience in the crypto space, citing Moxie Marlinspike's critique of the Cypherpunk approach. He stressed the need for privacy tools that are accessible to the masses without requiring them to change their behavior. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, Zooko warned of the risks it poses to privacy and autonomy, advocating for cryptocurrencies as a means to establish a new funding model free from the extractive logic of Web2. Discussing Zcash's governance and its "Encrypted Bitcoin" meme, Zooko explained the project's unique development fund mechanism and its efforts to address privacy and long-term security at the protocol level. He encouraged users to consider Zcash as a "privacy option," emphasizing the importance of holding assets in a way that protects individual autonomy in the digital age.