As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, researchers from MIT and other institutions have proposed a new method to distinguish between AI and human users online: personhood credentials.
In a recent white paper, MIT graduate students Nouran Soliman and Tobin South, along with colleagues from OpenAI and Microsoft, outlined the concept of personhood credentials as a way to verify human identity online while preserving privacy.
Personhood credentials would allow users to prove their humanity without revealing personal information. The system would require an offline component, such as visiting a government office, to obtain the credential.
The researchers acknowledged potential risks, including privacy concerns and the concentration of power in credential-issuing entities. They stressed the importance of implementing the system with multiple issuers and an open protocol to maintain freedom of expression.The team calls for further research into implementation strategies and broader community impacts.
Governments and companies are urged to prepare for a future, where verifying human identity online becomes crucial. The proposed personhood credentials aim to address this challenge while safeguarding user privacy and security.