Revolutionizing digital identity: how Humanity Protocol is building trust in the AI and deepfake era

The Cryptonomist is pleased to present this exclusive interview with the team behind Humanity Protocol, one of Asia’s first Web3 unicorns. In a world increasingly threatened by AI-powered deepfakes and identity fraud, Humanity Protocol is leading the charge toward a privacy-first, decentralized approach to digital identity—one that could redefine trust in the digital age.

1. AI-powered deepfakes and identity fraud are escalating at an alarming rate. How urgent is this crisis, and what are the biggest risks if we don’t act quickly?

The crisis is very real and growing fast. As deepfakes and digital impersonation tools get more advanced, it’s becoming harder to know who you’re really interacting with online. We’ve seen this play out in alarming ways recently, like when the British engineering firm Arup lost nearly $26 million after fraudsters used deepfakes to impersonate company executives in a video call. Or consider the incident in the 2025 New Hampshire primary, where AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Biden’s voice were used to discourage voting.

If we don’t address this quickly, we could lose trust in everything from financial systems to everyday communication and even our democratic processes. It’s not just a tech problem. It’s a trust problem that affects everyone, and the consequences are becoming increasingly severe.

2. Humanity Protocol is pioneering a privacy-first approach to identity verification using non-invasive biometrics and zero-knowledge proofs. How does this balance security and anonymity in a way that centralized solutions can’t?

Most centralized systems force people to give up personal data to prove who they are. We don’t think that should be necessary. Humanity Protocol lets people prove they’re real and unique using a palm scan, but without ever sharing who they are. Thanks to zero-knowledge proofs, no personal data gets stored or exposed. This gives users control over their personal data while still making digital spaces safer.

3. Over 3 million users have already joined your testnet. What does this early adoption tell you about the demand for self-sovereign identity, and what’s next in terms of scaling?

We’ve now hit over 4.7 million Human IDs and it shows that people are ready for change. There’s a massive demand for digital identity that isn’t tied to a government or big tech company. We’re seeing users from all over the world join because they want to take control of their digital lives. Next, we’re focusing on expanding our ecosystem, working with apps, platforms, and services that can use Humanity Protocol to verify users in a secure and private way.

4. Many governments are pushing for stricter digital identity regulations, often favoring centralized control over privacy. Do you think governments will ever embrace decentralized, privacy-first identity models—or is regulatory resistance inevitable?

There’s definitely resistance, but we’re also seeing signs of openness. Some governments are starting to understand that decentralized identity can actually offer better transparency and security, without compromising personal privacy. It’s going to take time and a lot of education, but with the right tools and a focus on compliance, we believe it’s possible to find common ground.

5. Beyond security, how can Web3-based identity solutions unlock new economic and social opportunities for users worldwide?

Identity opens doors. With a trusted digital identity, people can access jobs, financial services, education, and more especially in parts of the world where traditional systems fall short. Web3 makes it possible to bring those opportunities to anyone with an internet connection without relying on centralized authorities. It’s about inclusion and giving people more control over their futures.

6. You’ve built one of Asia’s first Web3 unicorns and are at the forefront of digital identity innovation. What’s your long-term vision for Humanity Protocol, and how do you see it shaping the future of trust in the digital age?

We want to make digital identity something everyone can own and use safely, without giving up their privacy. The long-term goal is to build a global standard for proof of personhood that’s secure, private, and easy to use. Whether it’s logging into apps, accessing services, or participating in online communities, we believe Humanity Protocol can be the foundation for a more trustworthy digital world.