Verifiable Personhood

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of generative AI has exposed traditional authentication systems to deepfakes and synthetic identity threats. In response, this chapter proposes the Verifiable Personhood Protocol (VPP), a rights-centered framework that decouples “proof of personhood” from “proof of identity.” By synthesizing Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) standards, and edge-based liveness detection, the VPP uses post-quantum secure zk-STARKs and cryptographic nullifiers to guarantee unique human presence and Sybil resistance without exposing personally identifiable information. Additionally, the protocol integrates cognitive security safeguards and decentralized governance to mitigate psychological manipulation and ensure equitable access. That said, this chapter demonstrates that shifting from reactive surveillance to proactive, privacy-preserving cryptographic verification is essential for safeguarding human rights and digital democracy in an era of synthetic media.