Humanity Protocol: A Guide to the Future of Identity Verification in Web3

Why Human Verification Changes the Game in Web3?

In the world of decentralized applications, a fundamental problem has emerged: how to distinguish real users from bots and Sybil attacks while protecting individual privacy? Humanity Protocol addresses this challenge through an innovative system based on hand recognition technology and zero-knowledge proofs.

Founded by Terence Kwok and supported by Human Institute, Animoca Brands, and Polygon Labs, it introduces the world’s first decentralized Proof-of-Humanity (PoH) consensus mechanism. This is not just an ordinary blockchain network – it’s a comprehensive Layer 2 zkEVM built on Polygon CDK that revolutionizes identity verification in decentralized ecosystems.

What exactly does Humanity Protocol do?

Humanity Protocol is a system that enables users to cryptographically prove their human identity through biometric hand recognition. Unlike traditional methods that centrally store personal data, Humanity Protocol implements Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) – meaning users have full control over their digital credentials.

The protocol generates Verifiable Credentials (VC) that can confirm not only human status but also age, education, KYC/AML compliance, or work experience – all without revealing sensitive personal information.

How does verification work?

The system uses two stages:

1. Registration phase: Handprint scanning via smartphone (available to everyone)
2. Advanced phase: Palm vein pattern scanning using specialized infrared technology (for higher security)

Each scan is immediately converted into a one-way cryptographic representation, removing identifiable features but maintaining the mathematical uniqueness necessary for verification. This means that even if the database is hacked, your biometric data remains secure.

What problems does Humanity Protocol solve?

Sybil attacks and voting manipulation

In blockchain systems, anyone can create multiple wallets. This creates vulnerabilities for malicious actors wanting to manipulate airdrops, DAO voting, or artificially inflate token value by increasing participant counts. Humanity Protocol eliminates this problem.

Centralization of identity in Web2

Traditional verification platforms store personal data in one place, monetizing it without user consent. Humanity Protocol returns control to users through SSI frameworks.

Blurring the line between humans and AI

As AI advances, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish AI-generated content from genuine human activity. Biometric hand recognition by Humanity Protocol prevents bots from pretending to be humans.

Limitations of current Web3 verification methods

Existing systems rely solely on wallet signatures, which do not require human verification. Humanity Protocol introduces a layer of human authenticity that the entire ecosystem previously lacked.

Potential applications of Humanity Protocol

Bot-resistant fair drops

Projects can distribute tokens fairly, ensuring every verified human receives an equal allocation. The system can filter based on geographic location, age, or KYC status – all while maintaining privacy.

True decentralized governance

“One person, one vote” systems become feasible. DAOs can now make decisions without the risk of Sybil attacks, where a single actor manipulates hundreds of votes.

Compliance and regulation

Financial institutions can verify KYC/AML compliance without publishing personal data on public blockchains. This speeds up transactions while maintaining regulatory requirements.

Age-gating verification and content access

Services can verify that a user is over 18, for example, without knowing their exact age or other personal data.

Professional and educational credentials

Licenses, diplomas, and qualifications can be verified instantly and tamper-proof, enabling quick recruitment processes and professional networking.

Valuation and funding

Humanity Protocol has attracted significant investment support:

• Seed round (May 2024): $30 million, led by Kingsway Capital
• Series A round (January 2025): $20 million, led by Pantera Capital and Jump Crypto
• Total funding: $50 million
• Valuation: $1 billion (post-Series A)

Key investors include: Animoca Brands, Blockchain.com, Hashed, and Shima Capital.

Testnet status and adoption

Humanity Protocol launched its testnet in three phases:

• Phase 1 (from September 30, 2024): Human ID reservation – attracted nearly 150,000 participants in the first week
• Phase 2 (currently ongoing): Handprint verification via mobile app
• Phase 3 (planned): Full palm vein verification using specialized hardware

This rapid growth indicates strong demand for decentralized verification solutions.

Token H: Protocol’s economic engine

Although detailed tokenomics have not yet been announced, Token H will serve the following purposes:

Network security

Identity validators will need to stake H tokens to participate in verification processes. This creates an economic incentive for honest behavior and secures the network through a put-up-or-shut-up model.

Governance

H token holders will vote on protocol changes, strategic direction, and system upgrades.

Rewards for verifiers

The zkProofers network (verification nodes) will earn H tokens for verifying digital credentials using zero-knowledge proofs.

Service fees

Applications utilizing Humanity Protocol will pay in H tokens for access to verification services.

Ecosystem incentives

H tokens will be used to reward early participants, developers, and projects building on the protocol.

Full details regarding total supply, release schedule, and allocation ratios will be announced closer to mainnet launch in 2025.

Roadmap to mainnet

Near future (Q1 2025)

Completion of all three testnet phases, with phase 3 initially deployed at select cryptographic events and then more broadly.

Mainnet launch

Planned for early 2025, the mainnet will support full Humanity Protocol capabilities with access to hand recognition technology.

Long-term vision

After mainnet launch, the protocol plans to:

• Distribute hardware: Humanity scanners will be distributed globally, creating an ecosystem of operators and revenue streams
• Institutional partnerships: Collaborate with universities, employers, and government agencies for credential verification
• Multi-chain expansion: Transfer verification capabilities to other blockchains within the Web3 ecosystem

Why Humanity Protocol stands out in the market

The digital identity verification market is competitive, but Humanity Protocol has several unique advantages:

Hand recognition vs. iris scanning

Hand scanning is significantly less invasive, requires only a standard smartphone, and not specialized equipment. It is also more socially acceptable and faces fewer regulatory hurdles.

Privacy by design

Zero-knowledge proofs enable verification without revealing any biometric data. This addresses privacy concerns that competitors do not fully resolve.

Verification flexibility

The system allows verification not only of human status but also of age, education, employment, and many other attributes. Most competitors focus solely on confirming being human.

Decentralized project

No central authority controls the verification process. The network of validators and zkProofers provides a truly distributed infrastructure.

Summary

Humanity Protocol represents a fundamental step toward a human-centric Web3 infrastructure. By combining innovative biometric technology with zero-knowledge cryptography and self-sovereign identity frameworks, the protocol solves issues that have long hampered adoption and security of decentralized applications.

With solid funding of $50 million, strong backing from leading Web3 investors, and a clear roadmap to mainnet deployment, Humanity Protocol has the potential to become a key infrastructure for the next generation of Web3 applications. For early testnet participants, it offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital identity verification.

Whether you are a developer, a project seeking fair distribution mechanisms, or an investor interested in the future of identity in Web3, Humanity Protocol offers a compelling vision of a secure, private, and tamper-resistant verification system that could transform how decentralized ecosystems operate.