a16z published an article stating that blockchain is a key infrastructure for internet trust in the AI era.

According to Mars Finance, 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 a challenge to the trust system. Blockchain technology can provide a solution. The article summarizes five key roles: Increasing the cost of AI impersonation: By using decentralized human identity verification systems (such as World ID), the scale of fake identity generation is limited, increasing the cost of attacks. Decentralized identity verification: Blockchain empowers users with control over their own identities, avoiding single points of failure in centralized identity systems while protecting privacy and censorship resistance. Creating a universal "passport": A blockchain-based identity layer allows AI agents to operate across platforms, carrying permissions and payment information, improving interoperability and preventing lock-in effects. Supporting machine-scale payments: Utilizing blockchain micropayments and smart contracts, low-cost, refined payment allocation is achieved, supporting economic activities between machines. Strengthening privacy protection: Through zero-knowledge proofs, users can verify their identities without exposing specific data, preventing AI from abusing information for impersonation. a16z believes that blockchain is a necessary infrastructure for building an AI-native internet, restoring trust and supporting the healthy development of AI systems.