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- Humanity Protocol launched the Humanity Foundation to advance decentralized identity using palm scanning technology, prioritizing privacy and user control.
- Unlike its competitor, World, which uses iris scans, Humanity offers a less invasive and more user-friendly solution for secure identity verification.
The Humanity Protocol has unveiled its Humanity Foundation to advance decentralized identity systems and inch closer to its token generation event (TGE). Launched on January 14, the foundation is spearheaded by prominent figures, including Animoca Brands chairman Yat Siu and investment expert Yeewai Chong, who will serve as interim CEO.
This move positions the Humanity Protocol as a significant player in the decentralized identity space, emphasizing privacy-first solutions and biometric technology.
Palm Scanning for Privacy and Security
Humanity Protocol distinguishes itself by utilizing palm recognition technology to verify identities within Web3, reported CNF. Unlike iris scanning employed by its competitor, World, Humanity’s palm-based system is designed to be less invasive while providing robust privacy protections.
According to the protocol’s founder, Terence Kwok, biometric data collected through palm scans is encrypted and stored on zkProofers or distributed nodes, avoiding centralized servers. This ensures individuals maintain full ownership and control over their data.
Palm scanning also aligns more closely with user preferences, offering a familiar and accessible form of biometric authentication. Kwok highlighted that this technology can be easily scaled to support real-world applications, including payment systems, building access, and credential verification.
A Focus on Decentralized and Private Identity
The Humanity Protocol integrates zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) to enable users to verify their unique identities without exposing personal data. This approach supports creating decentralized identity (DID) systems prioritizing security and privacy.
Users can enhance their verified identities by adding credentials such as education, employment history, and social reputation. This flexibility allows the protocol to cater to both individual and organizational needs.
Yeewai Chong, interim CEO of the Humanity Foundation, stated that biometrics are a strong foundation for building secure decentralized identity systems. Anchoring proof-of-humanity (PoH) in biometric verification provides the framework for integrating diverse human attributes into a single, privacy-focused identity.
Competing with World’s Iris Scanning
Humanity Protocol’s launch comes amid growing competition with World, which uses iris biometric technology. World, co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, gained attention for its iris scans but has faced criticism over potential privacy concerns, reported CNF.
Kwok explained that palm scanning provides a more user-friendly alternative while maintaining high levels of security. This approach addresses concerns over invasiveness and aligns better with the public’s familiarity with palm and fingerprint-based authentication.
While World has gained early traction since its launch in July 2023, Humanity Protocol is positioning itself as a privacy-focused alternative with broader accessibility. The palm scanning system is designed to meet the needs of individuals and organizations seeking secure and decentralized identity solutions.
With the establishment of the Humanity Foundation, the protocol is gearing up for the next phase of its development, including its token generation event. While no specific date has been disclosed, the foundation is expected to play a critical role in driving the adoption of Humanity Protocol’s decentralized identity ecosystem.
As the competition between iris and palm recognition technologies heats up, Humanity’s approach to privacy and user accessibility could be a significant differentiator in the growing decentralized identity market, reported CNF.
