Can Humanity Protocol Avoid the Challenges Faced by Worldcoin? | Discussion with CEO Terence Kwok

Humanity Protocol is a zero-knowledge (ZK) decentralized identity initiative that aims to close the gap between online and offline identities. In its latest funding round, the company secured $20 million at a valuation of $1.1 billion.

The initiative is developing a verification system that utilizes palm scans for online accounts. The company emphasizes privacy and security as it handles sensitive biometric data. Its primary competitor, Worldcoin, has raised concerns regarding security and regulatory compliance in the digital ID landscape.

Cryptonews engaged with Humanity CEO Terence Kwok to delve into the company’s technology and approach. In this interview, we inquire about how Humanity intends to address these pressing issues while ensuring user trust.

With over 3.2 million digital IDs generated on the platform in the past four months, we assess whether Humanity can genuinely offer a viable alternative.

Technology: Humanity vs Worldcoin

Cryptonews: What distinguishes Humanity Protocol’s approach to digital identity from that of your main competitor Worldcoin, in terms of technology, user experience, enrollment, and data storage?

Terence Kwok: Humanity Protocol and Worldcoin share common ground in their utilization of Zero-Knowledge Proofs for privacy-preserving identity verification; however, they significantly differ in their user experience and enrollment methods.

Humanity Protocol employs palm vein scans, which are more accessible, non-invasive, and familiar to users, facilitating seamless adoption and scalability across diverse demographics and settings. This focus on intuitive, user-friendly technology lowers barriers to entry while ensuring privacy and security, creating a more inclusive and scalable solution for decentralized digital identity.

CN: How does the palm scanning technology used by Humanity Protocol compare to the iris scanning utilized by Worldcoin?

TK: The palm scanning technology employed by Humanity Protocol provides a secure and privacy-preserving alternative to the iris scanning used by Worldcoin. Palm vein scans are less invasive and feel more familiar to users, resembling everyday authentication methods such as biometric payments or smartphone access. This reduces discomfort or hesitation typically associated with scanning sensitive features like irises.

Palm scanning is highly secure, relying on unique vein patterns beneath the skin, which are difficult to replicate. Humanity Protocol’s approach strikes a balance between robust security and user comfort, making it better suited for widespread adoption without compromising privacy or accessibility.

CN: How does Humanity address concerns regarding access for underserved populations who may lack the technology or infrastructure to utilize digital IDs?

TK: Humanity prioritizes inclusivity and aims to minimize barriers to access. The protocol supports low-cost hardware solutions, such as palm vein scanners, to ensure accessibility in areas with limited infrastructure. Offline enrollment programs and collaborations with local organizations help bridge the digital divide by enabling users to register in person.

Is the Scanning Methodology Safe?

CN: In Kenya, Worldcoin faced significant regulatory scrutiny, including a temporary shutdown, following reports of individuals developing eye issues after their irises were scanned. What measures is Humanity implementing to ensure that its biometric devices are safe for users?

TK: Humanity utilizes non-invasive, thoroughly tested biometric devices like palm vein scanners instead of iris scanners. These devices employ harmless near-infrared light to map vein patterns, a technology that has been validated as safe through extensive medical and technical evaluations. Palm veins are also much more durable than irises, as these patterns do not change with the use of the hardware devices.

CN: In light of the backlash against Worldcoin’s methods, how do you plan to foster public trust in your company’s biometric verification processes?

TK: Humanity is cultivating public trust through transparency, privacy, and security. Once implemented, our biometric verification process will utilize advanced zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring that no sensitive information is stored or shared.

The zkProofer network verifies identity without compromising user privacy, allowing individuals to maintain complete control over their personal data. Currently, no biometrics have been collected. Users are only permitted to register their human IDs.

CN: How does Humanity Protocol intend to compete with other emerging technologies in digital identity verification beyond biometrics, such as blockchain-based identity solutions without physical verification?

TK: Humanity Protocol integrates biometrics with blockchain to create a hybrid solution that addresses the limitations of purely digital identity systems. While blockchain-only solutions excel in decentralization, they struggle with Sybil resistance and verifying real-world uniqueness.

Humanity bridges this gap with secure, non-invasive biometric verification, linking unique human attributes to decentralized identities. Its emphasis on inclusivity, offline onboarding, and privacy through zero-knowledge proofs makes it adaptable and competitive.

Tokenomics

CN: I understand that Humanity is planning to launch a token later this year. What is the utility of the token, and how will it create value for token holders?

TK: The forthcoming token will serve as the foundation of the ecosystem to encourage participation and reward contributions. Its utility includes governance, allowing token holders to vote on key protocol decisions, and powers rewards for validators, incentivizing community security and engagement.

CN: Worldcoin has utilized its WLD token to reward users who volunteer to have their irises scanned. What is Humanity Protocol’s strategy for user acquisition and incentivizing participation and adoption?

TK: Humanity Protocol’s strategy centers on creating value for users through meaningful participation rather than incentivizing them for mere involvement. Our approach focuses on building a sustainable community and ecosystem.

CN: What is the economic incentive structure for users and validators, and how does it ensure sustainability without exploiting users?

TK: Sustainability is crucial in this context. Users gain real-world utility through Proof of Human Identity (PoH), unlocking access to on-chain and off-chain services. Referral rewards promote ecosystem growth, creating a positive feedback loop.

Validators, operating decentralized Verifier and Founding Nodes, earn consistent rewards for verifying credentials and achieving consensus, enhancing community security. HP’s randomized node distribution prevents centralization, while tiered participation reduces entry barriers.

Ethical AI verification ensures fairness, and tokenomics are designed to maintain value. Collectively, these elements create a robust, equitable, and sustainable identity ecosystem.

What’s Next for Humanity’s Palm Scan?

CN: Can you elaborate on the timeline for the global rollout of palm scan devices, and what key milestones do you aim to achieve in 2025?

TK: Humanity is currently showcasing palm vein devices in select cities across Europe and Asia, gathering feedback to enhance the user experience. We aim to scale globally with a phased rollout. Key milestones include expanding deployment to major regions.

CN: What challenges have you encountered in scaling your infrastructure? How does Humanity plan to address issues of interoperability and cross-platform compatibility with other digital identity solutions?

TK: Scaling the infrastructure has presented challenges related to ensuring seamless user experiences and managing a growing network. Humanity is focused on addressing these by adopting a modular, flexible architecture that can evolve with technological advancements.

Regarding interoperability, the protocol is designed to integrate with other digital identity systems through open standards, APIs, and collaboration with other initiatives in the field.

Additional Note

Terence Kwok declined to answer certain questions that we believe would be valuable to our readers, citing “compliance reasons.” We will update this post if and when we receive responses.

Here are the questions that the Humanity Protocol CEO did not respond to:

• There have been concerns regarding the collection of biometric data by private entities like Worldcoin and, evidently, your organization. What measures have you implemented to prevent data breaches, misuse of sensitive information, and unauthorized access to user data?
• Has Humanity obtained any certifications or commissioned independent studies to validate the safety and accuracy of its biometric scanning technology?
• According to Humanity’s website, the protocol has created 3.2 million digital IDs to date. Can you clarify the demographics of the users who participated? How did you address data collection and user consent in developing countries to ensure transparency?
• How will the token distribution be managed to prevent market manipulation and ensure fair access for all users?

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