Self Labs, founded by former Celo core team members, has acquired OpenPassport and launched the Self Protocol, a new zero-knowledge proof-based identity verification system for blockchain applications. The protocol addresses a critical challenge in the digital economy: enabling secure token distributions while protecting user privacy.
The acquisition and protocol launch, announced this week, reflects increasing industry focus on privacy-preserving identity solutions. This follows Tools for Humanity’s recent acquisition of Modulus Labs, marking similar strategic developments in zero-knowledge technology.
“Every project launching onchain today faces the same challenge: how to ensure their applications reach unique users without compromising privacy,” said Eric Nakagawa, CEO of Self Labs. “Our protocol provides the infrastructure needed to guarantee verifiable identity credentials while protecting user data.”
The Self Protocol features two main elements: Pass, a verification system for secure token distributions, and Connect, which converts phone numbers into wallet addresses. This corresponds with broader advances in digital identity, as highlighted by recent progress in passkey technology and identity standards.
The protocol combines electronic passport NFC technology with zero-knowledge proofs to verify users across 174 countries. This method enhances existing identity verification systems, comparable to recent blockchain-based credential systems in education.
Self Pass & Connect has reached seven million active users globally. The platform handles age verification, country of origin confirmation, and DeFi integrations, addressing verification needs similar to previous crypto identity solutions.
Florent Tavernier, former OpenPassport co-founder and current Self Labs co-founder, explained the protocol’s purpose: “OpenPassport was created to ensure the internet’s future is run by humans, not bots. Secure solutions that protect users’ sensitive information are essential for rebuilding trust in digital infrastructure.”
Developers and projects conducting airdrops can now integrate the protocol, with documentation available at docs.self.xyz.
Sources: Celo Blog, Blockchain News, RootData, RootData Projects
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February 26, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
