World ID: Protecting consumers from AI bot ticket and public services hoarding

We have come to depend on online systems to access the things we want and need. Yet these systems are being overrun by bad actors who use bots to squeeze people out of the process, distorting markets and creating artificial scarcity.

These bots make headlines when fans can’t buy Taylor Swift tickets or diners can’t secure restaurant reservations. But they’re just as frustrating for people trying to utilize government services; in some places, bots have made getting a passport or taking a driving test all but impossible. Even worse, advanced AI agents are essentially supercharged bots, meaning that access to goods and services will become increasingly difficult for those with limited financial or technological resources.

The rise in technical innovation without corresponding consumer protection erodes public trust in markets and government systems. And when systems don’t work, consumers are left out in the cold, unable to access basic services. It’s time to get ahead of the bots. But how?

“In 2024, automation on ticketing sites surged to 86.5% of all traffic, with bad bots accounting for a third of that total.” - Imperva

Ticketing and appointment bots are a pain point for businesses and governments, which not only have to respond to angry consumers but also have to craft whack-a-mole policies to repel the AI intruders. 

The challenge is that it’s becoming harder to create systems that can tell the difference between legitimate humans and bots. Currently, engineers are forced to deploy solutions such as CAPTCHAs and government ID verification. These can add friction and/or cost to constituents and consumers, who grow increasingly frustrated. They also introduce liability for governments and businesses, which must keep that data secure. What’s worse, these interventions are quickly becoming ineffective as AI becomes adept at navigating sites, breaking CAPTCHAs and creating highly sophisticated fake IDs.

In short, friction ultimately only frustrates real humans more while doing little to mitigate AI-based abuses. There is a better solution - one that also preserves individuals’ privacy and is globally accessible.

World ID is based on the simple idea of proof of human: It enables people to anonymously and securely prove they are a real and unique human online.

Ticketing websites and government portals can integrate World ID into their booking apps at either check-in or checkout to prevent bots from buying tickets or booking appointments. No need to fill out complex forms or send your government ID. 

World ID is not another friction-heavy verification system. A gated check-in looks as simple as Sign in with Google or Sign in with Apple, but it’s fraud-resistant. Unlike email accounts, which are easy to create or spoof, humans only get one verified World ID. That means that one person can’t bulk purchase tickets or secure multiple reservations.

Integrating World ID at checkout both excludes bots and restores fairness by preventing people from scooping up different locations at the same time (with the clear intent to resell) or making multiple bookings for the same service.

With World ID, it is still possible for people to resell or transfer tickets, but - because a verified World ID is itself difficult to transfer - they would only be able to buy as many tickets as any other person. This way, genuine fans are able to buy tickets in the first place. 

Implementing World ID in these systems ensures:

• Fairer access to public services: Citizens can book appointments without intermediaries exploiting the system.
• Reduced consumer exploitation: Tickets for concerts, sports and cultural events remain accessible at their original price.
• Restored trust in institutions: Governments and businesses regain credibility by ensuring equal access for all.
• Less risk to personal data: Because governments and businesses don’t need to collect personal data at every transaction, there is less risk of personal data being exploited. 
• A scalable, AI-resistant solution: Unlike traditional CAPTCHAs or document-based verification, which can be bypassed, World ID offers a more robust, person-first approach to authentication.

With World ID, citizens get fair access to services, consumers get reduced friction, and service providers get real people.

Time for your appointment.