World, the cryptocurrency project formerly known as Worldcoin, has partnered with 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 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 via the World App. This verification generates a unique purchase code, which is then required to complete the transaction on Ticketmaster. While 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 selected concerts during the band’s 2027 tour, including shows in Munich, Berlin and Hannover in Germany, as well as London and Manchester in the UK. It remains unclear whether the system will be expanded to additional dates or other artists in the future.
Context and background on World ID
Originally launched as Worldcoin in 2023, World is a biometric identity and cryptocurrency project developed by Tools for Humanity. The project uses Orb devices to scan the irises of individuals, creating a unique digital identity that cannot be duplicated. The aim is to solve the ‘human versus bot’ problem online, especially in areas such as online voting, social media verification and now event ticketing.
The project has faced regulatory scrutiny in several countries due to privacy concerns related to the collection of biometric data. However, World has insisted its system is designed to protect privacy, with biometric data converted into a unique code and not stored in a centralized database.
Why this matters to the ticket industry
Ticket scalping and bot-driven purchasing have long plagued the live events industry, driving up prices for real 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 linking 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. To date, World Orbs has deployed in more than twenty 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 new solution for bot-driven scalping, its reliance on Orb hardware and the broader regulatory questions surrounding biometric data collection could determine how quickly similar systems gain traction. For now, fans attending the band’s shows in Germany and Britain in 2027 will be among the first to experience this identity-verified approach to purchasing concert tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Question 1: Do I need a World ID to buy tickets for Thirty Seconds to Mars concerts?
Yes, for the specified 2027 concerts in Munich, Berlin, Hannover, London and Manchester, a World ID, verified via an Orb device, is required to receive a Ticketmaster purchase code.
Question 2: Will my biometric data be stored after Orb authentication?
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 protect privacy.
Question 3: 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 about expanding to other artists or events.