World, the cryptocurrency project formerly known as WorldCoin, has partnered with rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars to introduce a biometric ticketing system called Humans Only Tickets. This initiative aims to prevent ticket scalping and ensure that tickets are purchased by real individuals rather than automated bots.
How the human-only ticket system works
To purchase tickets through this system, fans must first complete World ID authentication using an Orb device through the World app. This verification generates a unique purchase code. You will need this code to complete your transaction with Ticketmaster. While final payment and ticket delivery are handled through Ticketmaster’s existing infrastructure, a World ID-based code acts as a gatekeeper to verify the buyer’s human identity.
The system will be applied to select concerts on the band’s 2027 tour, including performances in Munich, Berlin and Hanover, Germany, and London and Manchester, UK. It remains to be seen whether this system will be expanded to additional dates or other artists in the future.
Background and Background of World ID
World is a biometric ID and cryptocurrency project developed by Tools for Humanity, originally launched as Worldcoin in 2023. This project uses the Orb device to scan an individual’s iris to create a unique digital identity that cannot be duplicated. The goal is to solve the “human vs. bot” problem online, especially in areas such as online voting, social media verification, and now event ticketing.
The project has come under regulatory scrutiny in several countries due to privacy concerns related to the collection of biometric data. However, World claims that its system is designed to protect privacy and that biometric data is converted into a unique code and not stored in a centralized database.
Why this matters to the ticketing industry
Ticket scalping and bot buying have plagued the live events industry for years, driving up prices for genuine fans. Several companies and artists have experimented with various scalping prevention measures, including dynamic pricing, waiting lists, and capture systems. A “human-only ticket” system represents a more proactive approach by tying ticket purchases to a verified biometric ID.
If the partnership is successful, it could set a precedent for other artists and event organizers to implement similar identity verification systems. However, the requirement to physically visit the Orb device for verification may limit deployment in regions where Orb locations are scarce. To date, World has deployed Orbs in over 20 countries, but availability remains uneven.
conclusion
The partnership between World and Thirty Seconds to Mars represents a notable experiment in applying biometric identity verification to the live event ticketing market. While this system offers a novel solution to bot-driven scalping, the reliance on Orb hardware and broader regulatory questions surrounding biometric data collection will likely determine how quickly similar systems become widespread. For now, fans attending the band’s shows in Germany and the UK in 2027 will be the first to experience this identity-verified approach to purchasing concert tickets.
FAQ
Q1: Do I need a World ID to purchase Thirty Seconds to Mars concert tickets?
Yes, selected 2027 concerts in Munich, Berlin, Hanover, London, and Manchester require a World ID verified through an Orb device to receive a Ticketmaster purchase code.
Q2: Will my biometric data be saved after Orb authentication?
World says Orb converts the iris scan into a proprietary code and does not store the original biometric data in a centralized database. The verification process is designed to protect your privacy.
Q3: Will this system be used by other artists or events?
For now, this partnership is limited to the 2027 Thirty Seconds to Mars concert. No expansion to other artists or events has been announced.
