a16z states that blockchain is the key infrastructure for internet trust in the AI era

According to ChainCatcher, the a16z crypto team published an article pointing out that as AI systems scale up, the internet lacks a native way to distinguish between humans and machines, posing challenges to the trust system. Blockchain technology can provide solutions. The article summarizes the following five key roles:

Increase the cost of AI impersonation: By using decentralized human identity verification systems (such as World ID), the scale of fake identity generation can be limited, raising the cost of attacks.

Decentralized identity verification: Blockchain gives users control over their own identities, avoiding single points of failure in centralized identity systems, while also protecting privacy and enhancing censorship resistance.

Create a universal "passport": A blockchain-based identity layer enables AI agents to operate across platforms, carrying permissions and payment information, improving interoperability and preventing lock-in effects.

Support machine-scale payments: By leveraging blockchain micropayments and smart contracts, low-cost and fine-grained payment distribution can be achieved, supporting economic activities between machines.

Strengthen privacy protection: Through zero-knowledge proofs, users can verify their identities without exposing specific data, preventing AI from abusing information for impersonation.