World Chain Introduces Human-Prioritizing Tool to Reduce Bot Congestion

World Chain, a layer-2 (L2) blockchain associated with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has introduced a new tool designed to prioritize real humans over bots, aiming to enhance transaction speed and efficiency. The tool, named Priority Blockspace for Humans (PBH), is an open-source mechanism integrated into the World Chain mainnet. This initiative underscores World Chain's commitment to creating a blockchain infrastructure that is more human-centric.

The PBH mechanism is embedded within World Chain’s block building logic, reserving a portion of the top space in each block for transactions sent from Orb-verified humans. This approach ensures that real users have a priority lane, reducing congestion caused by bot activity. According to World Chain, this mechanism addresses the issue of bots creating network congestion and high fees, which often worsen as blockchains optimize for low gas fees and high throughput.

Blockchains, which record cryptocurrency transactions, are susceptible to bot activity, similar to other internet platforms. Trading bots, for instance, are automated software programs that handle repetitive trading tasks on behalf of users. Steven Smith, head of protocol at Tools for Humanity (TFH), a core developer behind the World project, estimated that up to 80% of blockchain transactions are now automated, with artificial intelligence agents accounting for most onchain activity. While many bots serve valid purposes, unproductive bots like airdrop farming ones often lead to network congestion and high fees.

World Chain’s new human-prioritizing mechanism was developed in collaboration with Flashbots, an Ethereum research and development organization focused on the rise of miner/maximal extractable value (MEV). MEV bots are automated programs that exploit opportunities in blockchain transaction ordering for profit. The collaboration with Flashbots has been instrumental in improving the high availability and production readiness of the PBH mechanism. Other collaborators included the Ethereum L2 scaling solution Optimism, the blockchain development platform Alchemy, and the infrastructure platform Nethermind.

World Chain acknowledges the presence of useful and helpful bots on various platforms, including social media. The company aims to ensure that participants in the real human network can distinguish between human-centered and synthetic interactions. This approach contrasts with calls from some industry executives, such as former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, who have advocated for a complete ban on bots on platforms like X. Holonym co-founder Nanak Nihal noted that from a technological standpoint, implementing such a ban is easier than many think, but the key question is whether big tech will genuinely prioritize the user experience.

Unlike priority systems based on gas fees or economic bidding, PBH introduces a new dimension of transaction ordering: humanness. With PBH, Orb-verified World network participants are guaranteed priority access to ensure reliable transaction inclusion during periods of congestion, without competing with bots for inclusion. This innovative approach by World Chain represents a significant step towards creating a more user-friendly and efficient blockchain ecosystem.