# Humanity Protocol > Humanity Protocol is a decentralized identity layer for Web3, built as a zkEVM L2 on Polygon CDK. It uses non-invasive palm biometrics and zero-knowledge proofs... - Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/humanity-protocol - Categories: Organizations - Tags: Founder, Infrastructure - Created: 2025-11-02T14:44:28.736Z - Last updated: 2026-06-11T03:02:46.285Z - Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki) --- **Humanity Protocol** is a decentralized identity protocol that functions as a zkEVM [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) built with the [Polygon](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polygon) Chain Development Kit. The project aims to establish a Sybil-resistant "human layer" for [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) by using biometric verification to provide Proof of Humanity (PoH), enabling applications to distinguish between unique human users and bots. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[2\]](#cite-id-DhuDT9Tvkw)​ ## Overview Humanity Protocol was developed to address the challenge of digital identity verification and Sybil attacks in decentralized networks. A [Sybil attack](https://iq.wiki/wiki/sybil-attack) occurs when a single entity creates numerous fake identities to gain disproportionate influence. The protocol's core solution is a Proof of Humanity (PoH) consensus mechanism that leverages non-invasive palm recognition biometrics to verify that each participant is a unique individual. This verification is designed to be privacy-preserving through the use of [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps) (ZKPs), which allow for authentication without storing or exposing raw biometric data. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[3\]](#cite-id-MbJNZ1AGcT)​ The project is a collaborative effort involving the Human Institute, a research body focused on AI's societal impact, alongside [Animoca Brands](https://iq.wiki/wiki/animoca) and [Polygon](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polygon) Labs. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) It operates on a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model, giving users control over their digital credentials. The protocol aims to serve as a foundational layer for various [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) applications, including fair airdrops, one-person-one-vote governance systems, and regulatory compliance. The stated mission is to onboard one billion users to Web3 by providing a secure and user-centric identity framework. [\[2\]](#cite-id-DhuDT9Tvkw)​ The protocol's infrastructure supports the creation of a "cross-platform reputation" by allowing users to aggregate verifiable credentials from both Web2 and [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) sources. This includes academic records, professional experience, and financial data, which can be proven on-chain without revealing sensitive personal information. The system is designed to provide developers with the tools to build identity-aware applications that can filter out bots and ensure fair participation. [\[4\]](#cite-id-czF9k1gPSH)​ ## History Humanity Protocol's development and launch involved several key milestones and funding rounds. On May 15, 2024, the project announced it had raised 1 billion for the project. Other notable investors identified in subsequent reports include Jump Crypto and [Pantera Capital](https://iq.wiki/wiki/pantera-capital). [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[5\]](#cite-id-PChO8cz347)​ The project launched the first phase of its [testnet](https://iq.wiki/wiki/testnet) on September 30, 2024, focusing on "Human ID reservation." The testnet reportedly attracted nearly 150,000 participants within its first week. The native token, 0.01799 on June 27, 2025. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[6\]](#cite-id-A4JMaU5LVV)​ Around July 2, 2025, Humanity Protocol acquired [Moongate](https://iq.wiki/wiki/moongate), a [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) event-ticketing platform, to accelerate the real-world adoption of its identity technology. Concurrently, the "Humanity app" was launched on Android, allowing users to scan their palms for verification, with a reported 8 million users having pre-reserved their Human ID at the time of the launch. The protocol's [mainnet](https://iq.wiki/wiki/mainnet) went live on August 12, 2025, introducing a new user dashboard and the integration of zkTLS technology for enhanced privacy. [\[5\]](#cite-id-PChO8cz347) [\[4\]](#cite-id-czF9k1gPSH)​ On October 22, 2025, the protocol announced a technical integration with [Walrus Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/walrus-protocol) to decentralize its "Human IDs" and store user data across decentralized [nodes](https://iq.wiki/wiki/node). Shortly after, on October 25, 2025, the project "emerged from stealth," an event highlighted by public support from [Yat Siu](https://iq.wiki/wiki/yat-siu) of [Animoca Brands](https://iq.wiki/wiki/animoca). On the same day, the H token reached its all-time high price of $0.3887. [\[7\]](#cite-id-S7vNYPkyyW) [\[6\]](#cite-id-A4JMaU5LVV)​ ## Technology Humanity Protocol's technology stack is centered around providing secure, private, and decentralized identity verification. ### Blockchain Architecture The protocol is built as a zkEVM [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) network using the [Polygon](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polygon) Chain Development Kit (CDK). This architecture provides compatibility with the [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) ecosystem while offering scalability and lower transaction costs. The network is designed to support a high volume of identity verification transactions and [smart contract](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract) interactions required for its various use cases. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7)​ ### Proof of Humanity (PoH) The core of the protocol is its Proof of Humanity (PoH) [consensus mechanism](https://iq.wiki/wiki/consensus-mechanism), which relies on biometric verification to ensure each user is a unique human. The system employs a dual-layer palm recognition technology: * **Initial Verification:** Users can perform an initial palm scan using the camera on a standard smartphone via the Humanity app. * **Enhanced Security:** For higher-security applications, the protocol supports specialized hardware scanners ("Humanity Scanners") that use infrared technology for palm vein recognition, offering a more robust and difficult-to-forge verification method. This biometric data is processed using [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps) to create a cryptographic representation of the user's identity without storing the raw palm print image, thereby preserving user privacy. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[5\]](#cite-id-PChO8cz347)​ ### Privacy and Security Privacy is a central design principle of the protocol, implemented primarily through two key technologies: * **Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs):** ZKPs are used to verify a user's identity without revealing the underlying biometric data. This allows the system to confirm uniqueness while ensuring sensitive information remains private. * **zkTLS (Zero-Knowledge Transport Layer Security):** Integrated at the [mainnet](https://iq.wiki/wiki/mainnet) launch, zkTLS is a technology developed in partnership with Reclaim that allows users to generate a ZK proof from a secure Web2 session (e.g., logging into a bank or university website). This enables users to prove specific claims—such as "I have sufficient funds" or "I graduated from this university"—without revealing any other personal data from the session. This technology acts as a [bridge](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bridge) for bringing verified Web2 credentials into the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) ecosystem in a privacy-preserving manner. [\[4\]](#cite-id-czF9k1gPSH) ### Verifiable Credentials and Data Storage The protocol operates on a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model, where users have full control over their digital identity. It supports the issuance and management of Verifiable Credentials (VCs) for a wide range of attributes, including KYC/AML status, age, educational degrees, and professional licenses. To ensure data sovereignty, the protocol integrated with [Walrus Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/walrus-protocol), a decentralized storage solution from the team behind the [Sui](https://iq.wiki/wiki/sui) [Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/foundation). This allows all user data to be stored across decentralized nodes, making it user-controlled, highly available, and censorship-resistant. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[7\]](#cite-id-S7vNYPkyyW)​ ## Tokenomics The native [utility token](https://iq.wiki/wiki/utility-token) of the Humanity Protocol is H, an [ERC-20](https://iq.wiki/wiki/erc-20) token with a fixed total supply of 10 billion. The token is integral to the functioning of the protocol's ecosystem. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7)​ ### Utility The H token has several key functions within the network: * **Staking:** Identity Validators are required to stake H tokens to participate in the network and earn rewards for verifying user data and issuing credentials. * **Governance:** Token holders can participate in the protocol's governance by voting on proposals related to upgrades and strategic direction. * **Rewards:** zkProofers, the verifier nodes that validate credentials using ZKPs, are compensated with $H tokens for their computational work. * **Fees:** Users and applications pay fees in $H to access verification services on the network. * **Incentives:** The token is used to incentivize user onboarding and other activities that contribute to the growth of the ecosystem. ### Distribution The total supply of 10 billion $H tokens is allocated to different segments of the ecosystem to support long-term development and community engagement. The distribution is as follows: * **Ecosystem Fund:** 24.00% (2.4 billion) * **Early Contributors:** 19.00% (1.9 billion) * **Identity Verification Rewards:** 18.00% (1.8 billion) * **Foundation Treasury:** 12.00% (1.2 billion) * **Community Incentives:** 12.00% (1.2 billion) * **Investors:** 10.00% (1.0 billion) * **Human Institute Strategic Reserves:** 5.00% (500 million) This allocation structure was designed to fund ongoing development, reward network participants, and foster a robust community around the protocol. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7)​ ## Use Cases Humanity Protocol's identity verification technology enables a range of applications across Web2 and [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3). * **Sybil-Resistant Distributions:** The protocol allows for the creation of "fairdrops," ensuring that airdrops and other token distributions are allocated on a one-per-person basis to verified humans, preventing bots from claiming multiple shares. * **Decentralized Governance:** By verifying unique personhood, the protocol can facilitate true one-person-one-vote systems for [Decentralized Autonomous Organizations](https://iq.wiki/wiki/dao) (DAOs), making governance models more equitable. * **Regulatory Compliance:** The system can be used for privacy-preserving [KYC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/know-your-customer-kyc)/[AML](https://iq.wiki/wiki/anti-money-laundering-aml) checks in [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) and other financial applications, allowing users to prove compliance without sharing excessive personal data. * **Event Access and Ticketing:** Through its acquisition of [Moongate](https://iq.wiki/wiki/moongate), the protocol enables [frictionless](https://iq.wiki/wiki/frictionless), palm-based check-ins at events and a "one-person-one-ticket" system designed to combat scalping and fraud. * **Cross-Platform Reputation:** Users can aggregate credentials from various platforms to build a comprehensive and portable digital reputation that can be used to access services requiring proof of experience, education, or financial standing. * **Identity Verification:** The protocol allows users to prove specific attributes like age or residency for access to digital services without revealing their full identity. These use cases leverage the protocol's ability to provide a trusted and decentralized layer of human identity. [\[5\]](#cite-id-PChO8cz347) [\[4\]](#cite-id-czF9k1gPSH)​ ## Team and Backers Humanity Protocol was founded by [Terence Kwok](https://iq.wiki/wiki/terence-kwok), who serves as the CEO. The project is described as a collaborative effort between the Human Institute, [Animoca Brands](https://iq.wiki/wiki/animoca), and Polygon Labs. Key figures associated with the collaboration include Yat Siu, co-founder of [Animoca Brands](https://iq.wiki/wiki/animoca), and Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of [Polygon](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polygon) Labs. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[7\]](#cite-id-S7vNYPkyyW)​ The project is backed by a number of prominent venture capital firms. The $30 million seed round was led by Kingsway Capital and included participation from [Animoca Brands](https://iq.wiki/wiki/animoca), Blockchain.com, Hashed, and Shima Capital. Other publicly disclosed investors include Jump Crypto and Pantera Capital. [\[1\]](#cite-id-WTEKfv0IG7) [\[5\]](#cite-id-PChO8cz347)​ ## Partnerships and Acquisitions To expand its ecosystem and real-world utility, Humanity Protocol has engaged in strategic partnerships and a key acquisition. In early July 2025, Humanity Protocol acquired [Moongate](https://iq.wiki/wiki/moongate), a [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) platform specializing in event ticketing and engagement infrastructure. Moongate had previously powered events for major industry names like [TOKEN2049](https://iq.wiki/wiki/token2049) and [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) [Blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) Week. The acquisition was aimed at integrating Humanity Protocol's Proof of Humanity technology directly into live events for applications such as palm-based entry and anti-scalping measures. [\[5\]](#cite-id-PChO8cz347)​ On the technical side, the protocol has partnered with several key players. It integrated with [Walrus Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/walrus-protocol), a decentralized storage solution from the team behind the [Sui](https://iq.wiki/wiki/sui) [Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/foundation), to ensure user data is stored in a decentralized and user-controlled manner. [\[7\]](#cite-id-S7vNYPkyyW) For the development of its zkTLS technology, Humanity Protocol partnered with Reclaim, a firm specializing in privacy-preserving data solutions. [\[4\]](#cite-id-czF9k1gPSH)​ ## Humanity Protocol Bridge Exploit In June 2026, Humanity Protocol suffered a major exploit affecting its H token bridges on both [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) and [BNB Smart Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-bridged-usdc-bnb-smart-chain) (BSC), resulting in over $36 million in stolen funds. [\[13\]](#cite-id-hrvMRrPoVAUuQF2x) According to the team’s incident report, the attack originated from a compromised employee laptop, which led to the exposure of multiple Gnosis Safe owner keys controlling the project’s bridge infrastructure. On [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), three out of six Gnosis Safe owner keys tied to the Hyperlane bridge ProxyAdmin were compromised. The attacker used the stolen keys to transfer ProxyAdmin ownership to their own wallet, upgrade the bridge contract to a malicious implementation, and drain approximately 141.2 million H tokens in a single transaction. On [BNB Smart Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-bridged-usdc-bnb-smart-chain), three out of five Safe owner keys were also compromised. The attacker similarly seized ProxyAdmin control, deployed a malicious contract implementation with an unlimited mint function, and minted 200,000,005 H tokens directly to their wallet in two separate transactions. [\[13\]](#cite-id-hrvMRrPoVAUuQF2x) [\[14\]](#cite-id-NdmB8lH0zl70jWLG) The stolen tokens were subsequently dumped on the market, contributing to significant selling pressure on the H token. Following the incident, Humanity Protocol suspended all deposits and withdrawals across the affected bridges and began collaborating with exchanges, security partners, and law enforcement agencies in an attempt to contain the damage and recover stolen assets. [\[13\]](#cite-id-hrvMRrPoVAUuQF2x) The exploit highlighted ongoing security risks surrounding multisig wallet management, bridge infrastructure, and centralized operational vulnerabilities within crypto protocols. [\[14\]](#cite-id-NdmB8lH0zl70jWLG) ​ ​