Rebuilding Digital Trust: Why Identity Needs Control, Consent, and Zero-Knowledge Verification

Founder and CEO Candice Daisley joins Cyber Ahead to break down one of the hardest problems in today’s internet: how to verify identity without sacrificing privacy. We get into zero-knowledge proofs, digital personas, and why trust is becoming the next critical layer of online systems.

Candice walks through her unconventional path—from global development work to launching Three of Cups (3oC), a peer-to-peer trust platform built for real-world safety. She explains how users can confirm what matters without oversharing, and why the next era of digital identity has nothing to do with uploading your ID to strangers.

We also get into the real barriers holding back trust tech: surveillance fears, unclear power dynamics, fragmented regulation, and the reality that humans express different identities across platforms.

In this episode:
Why zero-knowledge verification is the future of safe online-to-offline connections
How digital personas reshape what “identity” even means
The psychological foundations of trust and consent
The real risks of surveillance-driven identity systems
How 3oC uses network effects without ads or data monetization

If you’re building in cybersecurity, identity, or trust tech, this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn more about 3OC: https://3oc.world

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cyber Ahead with AI
00:39 Exploring Zero-Knowledge Identity Verification
02:29 Candice Daisley's Unique Career Path
03:55 The Concept of Trust in Online Interactions
05:47 Balancing Verification and User Control
07:16 The Future of Digital Identity and Trust
08:38 Understanding Digital Identity and Personas
10:17 Challenges in Trusting Technology
12:46 Impact of Privacy Regulations on Technology
13:22 User Acquisition Strategies for Trust Platforms
14:51 Monetization and Sustainability in Trust Systems
15:40 Measuring Trust and Success on the Platform
16:51 Resources for Understanding Digital Identity
17:57 Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs
18:44 Connecting with Three of Cups