Humanode
Humanode is a decentralized, open source Layer-1 blockchain protocol that uses Proof of Biometric Uniqueness (PoBU) to establish a Sybil-resistant network, based on the principle of "one human, one node".[1] Unlike traditional consensus like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS), which rely on computational and financial resources to allow participation in the network, Humanode describes itself as a human-powered blockchain that ensures every validator node is tied to a real, unique person, verified through cryptobiometric authentication.[2]
This model aims to build a decentralized blockchain by assigning equal distribution of validator rewards to all participants, regardless of capital or hardware ownership. Humanode's proponents envision it being used for sybil-resistance, decentralization, and proof of personhood in applications ranging from DeFi to healthcare, while preserving user privacy.[3]
History
[edit]The conceptual framework of Humanode was introduced in 2017 by Dato Kavazi, Victor Simrnov, co-founders of Paradigm Research Institute. Motivated by concerns that conventional proof-of-work and proof-of-stake networks led to centralized validator oligopolies, and sought an alternative that would decentralize participation by proving human uniqueness and existence rather than hash-power or coins.[4]
From 2020 onward the team developed the protocol and ran testnet trials. The Humanode's technology is its cryptographically secure biometric verification system, which uses facial recognition and liveness detection to confirm users' uniqueness without asking for any identification information. Users submit a facial scan via a smartphone or webcam during enrollment, and to protect privacy, raw biometric data never leaves the user's device. The encrypted data is sent over to Confidential Virtual Machines (CVMs), where matching is performed using encrypted "1:N" matching. Two guarantees are enforced: proof-of-uniqueness (each person can enroll only once) and proof-of-existence (each validator is a live human).[5]
Reception
[edit]Humanode has garnered attention for its approach to decentralization. In May 2024, Humanode achieved a Nakamoto Coefficient of 236, the highest among blockchain networks at that time. This metric reflects the number of independent validators required to compromise the network's consensus, indicating a high level of decentralization. Media outlets like Cointelegraph and Decrypt highlighted its potential to democratize blockchain governance.[6][7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Cointelegraph Bitcoin & Ethereum Blockchain News". Cointelegraph. 2022-11-05. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Humanode: The First Crypto-Biometric Network".
- ^ "Redefining blockchain through crypto-biometrics and DAO approach | AMA with Occam DAO and Humanode". Cointelegraph. 2022-11-28. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Crypto-biometric network Humanode raises $2M in seed funding". CryptoNinjas. 2022-02-10. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Mehrabi, Alireza. "بلاک چین Humanode چیست و چگنه کار می کند؟". بلاک چین Humanode چیست و چگنه کار می کند؟ (in Persian). Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Humanode, a blockchain built with Polkadot SDK, becomes the most decentralized by Nakamoto Coefficient". Cointelegraph. 2024-05-02. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Week, par Crypto (2022-02-10). "Humanode lève 2 millions de dollars dirigé par Republic Capital tandis que le testnet atteint 1650 validateurs uniques - Crypto Week". cryptoweek.fr (in French). Retrieved 2025-05-05.