Proof of Personhood

Proof of Personhood

Proof of Personhood (PoP) is a Sybil-resistance mechanism deployed on Polkadot. Users create a bond and perform an in-person ceremony at a community event or authorized location. Once verified, the PoP system issues a public credential and a Ring-VRF alias that proves membership in the human set without revealing which specific person signed. Each product or dApp receives a unique, unlinkable alias for the same user, preventing cross-service correlation.

The PoP system uses a tier model to govern pricing and access. Higher tiers require more time and scrutiny but grant greater privileges — such as increased voting power in governance, larger allocation limits in airdrops, or access to restricted features. The PoP credentials are resolved through the People Chain identity system, making them available across the full ecosystem.

Where it fits: PoP is an infrastructure service available through the Polkadot App and the People Chain. It provides the identity assurance layer that enables Sybil-resistant governance, airdrops, and community mechanisms.

Learn more: Official Polkadot Docs