TL;DR
- A16Z stated that blockchains enable the verification of AI agents and limit impersonation by raising the cost of creating multiple fake identities at scale.
- On-chain identity and proof-of-personhood systems ensure the uniqueness of human users, prevent fake accounts, and reduce large-scale impersonation across social networks.
- AI agents can operate as native on-chain users, with universal passports, automated micropayments, and privacy based on zero-knowledge proofs.
A16Z noted that blockchains can become a key component for verifying artificial intelligence agents and preventing impersonation. AI agents generate content at scale and replicate voices, faces, writing styles, videos, and full identities across social media. A single entity can create multiple accounts at minimal cost, while human users must pass captchas and verification processes across several platforms. Are we facing a real paradigm shift that benefits actual users?
The separation between AI agents and human users is not part of the current Internet toolset. Blockchains make it possible to create immutable, tamper-resistant identities that can be used across different platforms. Some projects previously attempted to establish passport-like identities, but never with a specific focus on countering AI agents on social media. On-chain identity can ensure that each human user is unique, limiting the creation of fake accounts and increasing the cost of impersonation.
— a16z crypto (@a16zcrypto) February 4, 2026
Blockchain for Proof-of-Personhood
Decentralized proof-of-humanity, or proof-of-personhood, systems prevent an entity from generating multiple identities without evidence of the original individual. This verification can rely on technologies such as Worldcoin, where human identity becomes a scarce and verifiable resource. Blockchains allow control over the number of identities issued and block forgery attempts through the absence of valid proof of humanity.
AI agents can also operate as native users on blockchains. Each agent can hold a universal on-chain passport that includes permissions, capabilities, and payment data. This unique identity enables interoperability across platforms and prevents impersonation. In addition, on-chain environments support high-velocity transactions, micropayments, and automated payments through smart contracts, allowing agents to execute operations autonomously and efficiently.
Decentralized Economy Between Humans and AI Agents
The use of blockchains enables the distribution of complex payments across multiple data providers. Micropayments can be automatically split, ensuring that each contribution receives retroactive, transparent, and traceable compensation. Smart contracts execute payments based on completed transactions, establishing economic relationships without relying on centralized intermediaries.
Blockchain-based systems also protect privacy. Combined with zero-knowledge proofs, they allow the verification of specific facts, such as age or eligibility, without exposing sensitive data like addresses or credentials. This privacy layer prevents AI agents from accessing information that would facilitate the imitation of humans.
Blockchains provide a full set of tools, including verification, separation between agents and humans, machine-scale payments, and privacy by design. These capabilities make it possible to design an environment in which AI agents and human users can operate simultaneously without compromising the integrity of interactions or the security of information.
