World, the cryptocurrency project formerly known as Worldcoin, has entered a partnership with the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars to introduce a biometric identity-verified ticketing system called ‘Humans Only Ticket.’ The initiative aims to prevent ticket scalping and ensure that tickets are purchased by real individuals rather than automated bots.
How the Humans Only Ticket System Works
To purchase tickets under this system, fans must first complete a World ID verification using an Orb device through the World App. This verification generates a unique purchase code, which is then required to complete the transaction on Ticketmaster. While the final payment and ticket delivery are handled through Ticketmaster’s existing infrastructure, the World ID-based code acts as a gatekeeper to confirm the buyer’s human identity.
The system will be applied to select concerts on the band’s 2027 tour, including shows in Munich, Berlin, and Hanover in Germany, as well as London and Manchester in the United Kingdom. It remains unclear whether the system will be expanded to additional dates or other artists in the future.
Context and Background on World ID
World, originally launched as Worldcoin in 2023, is a biometric identity and cryptocurrency project developed by Tools for Humanity. The project uses Orb devices to scan individuals’ irises, creating a unique digital identity that cannot be duplicated. The goal is to solve the ‘human vs. bot’ problem online, particularly in areas like online voting, social media verification, and now event ticketing.
The project has faced regulatory scrutiny in several countries over privacy concerns related to biometric data collection. However, World has maintained that its system is designed to be privacy-preserving, with biometric data being converted into a unique code and not stored in a centralized database.
Why This Matters for the Ticketing Industry
Ticket scalping and bot-driven purchases have long plagued the live event industry, driving up prices for genuine fans. Several companies and artists have experimented with various anti-scalping measures, including dynamic pricing, waiting lists, and captcha systems. The ‘Humans Only Ticket’ system represents a more aggressive approach by tying ticket purchases to a verified biometric identity.
If successful, this partnership could set a precedent for other artists and event organizers to adopt similar identity-verified systems. However, the requirement to physically visit an Orb device for verification may limit adoption in regions where Orb locations are scarce. As of now, World has deployed Orbs in over 20 countries, but availability remains uneven.
Conclusion
The partnership between World and Thirty Seconds to Mars marks a notable experiment in applying biometric identity verification to the live event ticketing market. While the system offers a novel solution to bot-driven scalping, its reliance on Orb hardware and the broader regulatory questions surrounding biometric data collection may shape how quickly similar systems gain traction. For now, fans attending the band’s 2027 shows in Germany and the UK will be among the first to experience this identity-verified approach to buying concert tickets.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need a World ID to buy tickets for Thirty Seconds to Mars concerts?
Yes, for the specified 2027 concerts in Munich, Berlin, Hanover, London, and Manchester, a World ID verified through an Orb device is required to receive a purchase code for Ticketmaster.
Q2: Is my biometric data stored after Orb verification?
World states that the Orb converts iris scans into a unique code and does not store the original biometric data in a centralized database. The verification process is designed to be privacy-preserving.
Q3: Will this system be used for other artists or events?
As of now, the partnership is limited to Thirty Seconds to Mars concerts in 2027. No announcements have been made regarding expansion to other artists or events.