Dr. Chengdiao Fan | Source | Head of Product at Pi Network

One of the greatest challenges we have faced so far has been solving the problem of scalable KYC (“Know Your Customer”) for a massive and widely distributed network. There was no affordable KYC alternative that was scalable to the size of Pi Network, which now numbers 35M and counting. It was a priority for us to tackle this challenge; KYC ensures that a user is who they say they are and is a crucial process for identifying user risk and whether the user can meet the institution’s requirements to use their services. We need KYC to ensure compliance with law and Pi Network policies — each member is allowed one account and only real human beings can participate in the ecosystem.

We faced this challenge head-on by developing our own Pi KYC solution. By combining cutting-edge machine automation with innovative crowdsourced human verification through peer-vetted and verified individuals, the Pi KYC solution provides a novel and scalable way to KYC. While the machine automation portion of the system tackles tasks such as image processing and fake ID detection, human verification individuals check the redacted data of other members and are sourced from the KYC’ed members of the community itself. Beyond preventing spam accounts and keeping out bad actors, Pi KYC helps the network to comply with regulations while frictionlessly growing its thriving community.

What kept us motivated and focused while solving this challenge was the mission and vision of Pi, which we hold at the core of all of our decisions. This multi-pronged KYC solution is a perfect representation of how the entire Pi ecosystem works: a native, decentralized community where labor is exchanged, and real utility created, for Pi tokens and no fiat is involved. A home-grown KYC solution is the best way for Pi Network to deliver on the promise of fairness, inclusivity and accessibility.

I finished my Ph.D. in Anthropological Sciences from Stanford University, with expertise in human behavior and human population studies. My research interests later focused on human-computer interaction and social computing — specifically, how we use technology to positively impact human behavior and societies. I became excited about blockchain technology due to the merging of decentralization with an economic instrument. This technological marvel can mobilize individuals all over the world to participate and be rewarded for their contributions. Just as the internet enabled the world to be more connected through information exchanges, blockchain and cryptocurrencies enable closer and more frequent collaborations with value exchanges. My hope for Pi is the establishment of an inclusive ecosystem for global citizens to unleash and capture their own value, and in turn create value for society and the world.

“Formally standing up Pi Network on mainnet is a testament to the incredible community we’ve built in the last three years,” said Dr. Chengdiao Fan, a Founder and Head of Product at Pi Network. “Pi Network’s vision to build the world’s most inclusive peer-to-peer ecosystem and online experience, fueled by Pi, is one step closer to reality.”