# Holonym 2024:Q4 Retrospective *Holonym's Journey in 2024: Reflections on Privacy, Progress, and Community Engagement* By [human.tech](https://newsletter.human.tech) · 2025-01-27 --- > _“Empowering privacy and security with Human Keys is not just our mission; it’s a necessity to scale the web3 ethos.”_ — [Shady El Damaty](https://bsky.app/profile/shadyeldamaty.bsky.social), CEO & Co-Founder of [Holonym](https://x.com/0xHolonym) As we kick off 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the progress we made in 2024 in advancing privacy-focused solutions through improved protocols, new partnerships, and community engagement. Thank you for joining us on the journey. Here’s a recap of our Q4 highlights! * * * Key Announcements  ================== **Holonym Team Gathers In Person for the First Time:** Much of the Holonym team took advantage of a series of events in Bangkok, Thailand to come together for the first time in person! We explored the city, made invaluable connections with other teams, and shared in great conversation and planning for the year ahead. **Big Year for Holonym:** The identity protocol minted 75,000 + ZK identity proofs in 2024, summing to a total of 150,000+ private credentials that have been created to date.  These numbers reflect the product improvements [introduced in v3](https://blog.holonym.id/scaling-zk-identity-with-holonym-v3), enabling fast, scalable ZK proofs on client devices**.** **Serious Capital is Backing Mishti Network:** $1.4B in Re-staked ETH has been committed to Mishti Network from reputable operators. Excited to learn more about how Mishti works? Check out CTO & Co-Founder [Nanak Nihal Khalsa](https://x.com/NanakNihal)’s [Ethereum Research forum post](https://ethresear.ch/t/a-threshold-network-for-human-keys-to-solve-privacy-and-custody-issues/20276). **ZK for everyone:** Holonym has [open-sourced the VOLE-based](https://x.com/zer0nym/status/1853512591722807402) zero-knowledge prover optimized for consumer devices and scalability to enable practical privacy solutions like instant NFC passport verification and private biometric processing**.** **Human Keys are Catching On:** Holonym’s Human Keys are human-friendly cryptographic keys derived from what you have, what you know, or what you are. The technology recently made the [Coinmarketcap Glossary](https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/glossary/human-keys), marking a key moment of adoption. ### **Hardening Natural Digital Rights** Holonym demonstrated its commitment to embedding technology with a humanistic ethos by [sponsoring a major hackathon](https://x.com/0xHolonym/status/1868779896006492348) at [Funding The Commons](https://www.fundingthecommons.io/) in Thailand, demonstrating how privacy-preserving tech can solve real-world problems. * Best use case of Holonym’s stack - [Refunite Network](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/18876/) empowers over 175 million displaced populations and Africa’s refugees through the Relay Network, enabling community leaders to self-manage roles in a decentralized trust network. The Hackathon project made strides to deploy self-custodial keys and zero knowledge identity using Silk for two-click onboarding, and Zeronym for Proof of Personhood.  * Identity Track - [Refugee Identity Issuer](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/18941) submitted a decentralized solution for verifying and documenting refugee identities using zero-knowledge proofs, leveraging the Silk SDK to create proofs on Zeronym. * Peer to Peer Payments track - [CompensateFtc](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/18843/) is a payroll dApp on Ethrereum, powered by Silk for account creation and Zeronym for ZK ID and compliance.  * Unstoppable Civics track - [Trufy](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/18798) is a decentralized voting tool for DAOs, with Zeronym enabling one person one vote, and underlying identity primitives for building reputation. * * * Holonym in the Media ==================== **Human Keys in mainstream media:** Our human-intrinsic approach to digital security gained recognition in major publications, including [CoinDesk](https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2024/10/02/protocol-village), [Dataconomy](https://dataconomy.com/2024/12/06/why-privacy-is-a-prerequisite-in-the-digital-identity-arms-race/), and [Blockster](https://x.com/BlocksterCom/status/1864324505646039422). **Interview on Digital Rights:** Shady discussed the intersection of privacy and security in an interview with [_TheStreet_](https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/innovation/we-are-building-with-zk-to-make-natural-digital-rights-a-chat-with-holonym-co-founder-shady-el-damaty-). **Feature on DeFi Security Challenges:** Nanak [shared insights](https://techbriefly.com/2024/12/10/defis-ongoing-security-woes-prompt-call-for-a-radical-rethink/) on how Holonym’s 2PC technology can mitigate the $2.4B lost to DeFi hacks in 2024. **Chain Abstraction and Intents Day**: Shady’s keynote on Silk’s [2-Party Multi Party Computation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1X7RGc_ajc) garnered attention from devs during Chain Abstraction and Intents Day. Silk is the first consumer wallet to leverage this novel primitive, which provides a decentralized infrastructure for key management and programmable transactions. [![](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/youtube/play.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1X7RGc_ajc) **Op-Ed for the Observer:**  Shady discussed the significance of embedding natural digitals right into the digital infrastructure in his piece, “[The Attention Economy: Power, Profit, and Privacy in the Digital Era”](https://observer.com/2024/12/attention-economy-power-profit-and-privacy-in-the-digital-era/) **Op-Ed for** [**Crypto.News**](http://Crypto.News)**:** Shady discussed AI risks in scientific research and how decentralized solutions like [Human Keys](https://blog.silk.sc/what-are-human-keys/) can mitigate these issues in his piece**,** [“From lab to ledger: Human keys secure scientific integrity](https://crypto.news/human-keys-secure-scientific-integrity-opinion/)” ![](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/callout/information-icon.png) A heartfelt thank you to the media for supporting us throughout 2024 and helping us share our story with the Web3 community and beyond. In 2025, we’re focused on bringing people closer to Holonym’s ethos and sharing the world we’re building—one driven by _Humanistic Technology_, where innovation serves humanity in a digital-first future. We’re excited to keep you in the loop as this vision unfolds! 🔗 _Read more:_ [_Media Highlights_](https://holonym.id/press) * * * Product Updates =============== **Zeronym** ----------- * **Open-Sourced VOLE-Based ZK Prover:** Holonym [open-sourced](https://zeronym-docs.holonym.id/architecture/vole-based-zk) the VOLE based ZK prover, built for scalable identity verification on consumer-grade devices.  * **Partnership with Talent Protocol:** [Integrated](https://blog.holonym.id/holonym-partners-with-talent-protocol-to-provide-verifiable-identity-and-reputation-for-job-seekers) zero-knowledge credentials for secure job-seeker verification. * **Proof of Clean Hands:** Product developments are nearing production ready status to [launch PCH for Aztec’s testnet launch](https://github.com/holonym-foundation/aztec/) and to power compliant identity verification for Thrive protocol’s grants program.  * **ZK NFC on Apple:**ZK NFC Verification launches on [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zeronym-passport-verifier/id6736898551), following its earlier Android release. It’s Free!  🔗 _Explore Zeronym’s_ [_tech_](https://zeronym-docs.holonym.id/)_:_  **Silk Wallet** --------------- [![User Avatar](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/56a47946db9a662ec9f4c5d5e7e27a23.jpg)](https://twitter.com/silkysignon) [Silk](https://twitter.com/silkysignon) [@silkysignon](https://twitter.com/silkysignon) [![Twitter Logo](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/logo.png)](https://twitter.com/silkysignon/status/1865106110879011233) Meet Silk Wallet: the human-friendly wallet designed to offer top-tier security without compromising a great user experience. Built for self-custody, it protects users while staying easy to use. A new paradigm for onboarding in web3 ![⤵️](https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2935.png) ![](https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1865106034450403328/img/XXOKeEFYRegHTtpS.jpg) [![Like Icon](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/heart.png) 31](https://twitter.com/silkysignon/status/1865106110879011233)[ 7:48 PM • Dec 6, 2024 ](https://twitter.com/silkysignon/status/1865106110879011233) * **Silk is Decentralizing!** Key derivation from social accounts, and soon biometrics, will now be powered by the Mishti Network Restricted Mainnet, marking a significant milestone in the decentralization of the protocol. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/0c4bd5c4c74f471bc5932b3cd78e5de1.png) * **New Features & Updates:** * Cross-chain swaps for frictionless asset movement across any chain. * Cross-chain gas tank, enabling smooth transactions across chains without needing gas tokens for every network. Pay fees directly from your balance. * Human Key derivation with Phone Number to create a self-custodial wallet. * Human Key derivation with [ORCID ID](https://orcid.org/), the academic credential for 20M+ academics * **Early Developer Feedback:** Positive reviews highlight the wallet’s intuitive UI/UX and robust security! * **Hexens Audit Review:** [Hexens](https://x.com/hexensio) completed an audit of [Silk Wallet](https://x.com/silkysignon), including its integration with 2PC technology. This review highlighted Holonym's innovative approach to security and privacy in the crypto space. Read the full report [here](https://github.com/Hexens/Smart-Contract-Review-Public-Reports/blob/main/holonym-zk-audit-may-2024\(Public\).pdf). 🔗 _Discover Silk Wallet:_ [_website_](https://www.silk.sc/) 🔗 _Read the latest blog posts:_ [_blog_](https://blog.holonym.id/) Mishti Network -------------- * **Proactive Security**: Mishti Network implemented Forward-Secret Public Key Encryption (FSPKE) to reinforce security by preventing historical message decryption even if nodes are compromised. Read more in the [white paper](https://www.mishti.network/).  * **Recognition in Eigenlayer Ecosystem:** Named a leading project in EigenLayer’s Season 2 stakedrop, showcasing the impact of Mishti Network on advanced and applied cryptography to real-world use cases. * **Infrastructure Growth:** Several [reputed operators](https://holesky.eigenlayer.xyz/avs/0xe87ff321f5721a9285ec651d01c0c0b857430c2c/operator-set/4294967295#operators) were onboarded for testnet including Luganodes, Hashkey, P2P, InfraSingularity, Pier Two, Blockscape, Moonli, Coinage/DAIC, TokenTraxx, Aestus, BwareLabs (Alchemy) and AllNodes.  * **Restricted Mainnet**: Mishti has added an additional sub-net to stage features for testing before moving them to Mainnet. Special shout to Moonli and Zero Computing for supporting us on the subnet. 🔗 _Learn about Mishti Network:_ [_website_](https://www.mishti.network/) **Partnerships** ---------------- * Mishti Network **x** [**Renzo Protocol**](https://x.com/RenzoProtocol)**:** Renzo Protocol [restakes $800M](https://blog.holonym.id/holonym-foundation-teams-up-with-renzo-protocol-to-unlock-dollar800m-in-economic-security-to-power-human-keys) in restaked ETH to strengthen Mishti Network. * [**Kelp DAO**](https://x.com/KelpDAO) **x** [**Holonym**](https://x.com/0xHolonym)**:** Reinforced additional security to Mishti network by restaking  [$670M in ETH](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-484501-20241122) to secure Human Keys * [Reclaim Protocol](https://www.reclaimprotocol.org/) x Mishti Network: Reclaim Protocol is collaborating with Mishti Network to derive keys from Social Security Numbers using Holonym’s [OPRF](https://ethresear.ch/t/a-threshold-network-for-human-keys-to-solve-privacy-and-custody-issues/20276). * * * ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/47f06b53deb0d350a920ae976a6d9939.jpg) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/f4fedabcedb472c81430333da2e81f3b.jpg) Community Updates ================= **Humans-Only Rooftop Pool Party**: An exclusive pool party hosted for our community members who attended Devcon or its side events. **ZK Dining**: Holonym organized a dinner for partners and friends, offering a stunning 360-degree sunset view by the river. * * * 2024 IRL Events Updates ======================= * **ETH Milan:** Shady discussed how AI-generated content was undermining scientific authenticity and human creativity. He presented Human Key Infrastructure as a solution to restore trust in digital identities. [![User Avatar](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/71eef1006c5d9d8e182db3a0d7ca618b.png)](https://twitter.com/hebbianloop) [Shady El Damaty, Ph.D](https://twitter.com/hebbianloop) [@hebbianloop](https://twitter.com/hebbianloop) [![Twitter Logo](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/logo.png)](https://twitter.com/hebbianloop/status/1843693221224017982) science is over. you can write a convincing primary research article in <10m now with aithor ![☠️](https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2620.png) @ethmilano i gave a talk on why this is a disaster for truth, human creativity, and scientific progress and how Human Key Infra will save science via [#DeSci](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeSci) ![🧵](https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f9f5.png) talk recap & demo ![👉](https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f449.png) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/c1ba867d98ed5b1004d01546e7809f5b.jpg) [![Like Icon](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/heart.png) 29](https://twitter.com/hebbianloop/status/1843693221224017982)[ 6:41 PM • Oct 8, 2024 ](https://twitter.com/hebbianloop/status/1843693221224017982) * **ZK Hub Bangkok:** Hosted the [Human Keys Lounge](https://lu.ma/3xucwulh), featuring ZK Trivia contest, and discussions on biometrics-based key derivation and wallet security. Nanak presented “The Human Key Problem” examining the tradeoffs and solutions related to digital identity. [![User Avatar](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/8d93013efa83babc4bbce6836146d997.jpg)](https://twitter.com/HouseofZK) [House of ZK](https://twitter.com/HouseofZK) [@HouseofZK](https://twitter.com/HouseofZK) [![Twitter Logo](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/logo.png)](https://twitter.com/HouseofZK/status/1868630819113492573) The [@Zk\_Hub\_Global](https://twitter.com/Zk_Hub_Global) main stage presentation by [@NanakNihal](https://twitter.com/NanakNihal), Co-Founder of [@0xHolonym](https://twitter.com/0xHolonym), is now available on the [@HouseofZK](https://twitter.com/HouseofZK) YouTube channel: [youtube.com/watch?v=MThaO2…](https://t.co/n09W3hhwxj) Nanak presented 'The Human Key Problem', examining the tradeoffs and solutions related to digital identity ![🤝](https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f91d.png) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/9695f8bbd609b5529f7ec5f9acbb48a5.jpg) [![Like Icon](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/heart.png) 97](https://twitter.com/HouseofZK/status/1868630819113492573)[ 1:14 PM • Dec 16, 2024 ](https://twitter.com/HouseofZK/status/1868630819113492573) * **Funding the Commons Hackathon:** Holonym [sponsored](https://x.com/0xHolonym/status/1868779896006492348) Humanitarian aid and digital rights hackathon with Funding the commons  with a $15K prize pool for real world solutions, including privacy-preserving refugee verification systems. [![User Avatar](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/ef72b22e3bfa1cef978e8c3df14d0ead.jpg)](https://twitter.com/FundingCommons) [Funding The Commons](https://twitter.com/FundingCommons) [@FundingCommons](https://twitter.com/FundingCommons) [![Twitter Logo](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/logo.png)](https://twitter.com/FundingCommons/status/1863676183893905808) The biggest challenges of our time—climate, financial inclusion, privacy, and the stewardship of our commons—demand collaboration. ![🌏](https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f30f.png)![🔗](https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f517.png) In Thailand, 1,000+ builders, funders, and researchers united to share ideas & build systems that serve us all. Thanks for being a part of it! ![](https://pbs.twimg.com/ext_tw_video_thumb/1863665551299710977/pu/img/zWvxK7Y6X8nGI0qp.jpg) [![Like Icon](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/heart.png) 81](https://twitter.com/FundingCommons/status/1863676183893905808)[ 9:06 PM • Dec 2, 2024 ](https://twitter.com/FundingCommons/status/1863676183893905808) * **Funding the Commons Talk:** Shady [presented Human Key](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_B209NcY30) technology and the role of its infrastructure in fostering human flourishing, security, and privacy in the digital age. [![](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/youtube/play.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_B209NcY30) * **Bangkok Design Jam:** Holonym joined the Design jam and in-person hackathon hosted by Funding The Commons. The team provided mentorship and participated in workshops.  ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/27bbcb52af451c31834b3e8ed99e7480.jpg) * **Abstraction & Intent day:**  Shady delivered a key note during Chain Abstraction & Intents Day about [Wallets as a Protocol with 2 Party Computation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1X7RGc_ajc). * **Staking Rewards Summit:**  Mishti Network had its own [booth](https://x.com/mishtinetwork/status/1854794935557669313) at the summit, allowing deeper engagement with the restaking community. [![User Avatar](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/3e37cf58338f6bcaf9e9c526af65760b.jpg)](https://twitter.com/mishtinetwork) [Mishti Network](https://twitter.com/mishtinetwork) [@mishtinetwork](https://twitter.com/mishtinetwork) [![Twitter Logo](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/logo.png)](https://twitter.com/mishtinetwork/status/1854794935557669313) Mishti is live at [@StakingRewards](https://twitter.com/StakingRewards) Summit! We can answer all your questions about Hooman Keys Come get some limited edition swag. Mishti tattoos for the most devoted <3 ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/a3c2bc462f4dae8a788822af7dcaccbf.jpg) [![Like Icon](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/twitter/heart.png) 4](https://twitter.com/mishtinetwork/status/1854794935557669313)[ 8:55 AM • Nov 8, 2024 ](https://twitter.com/mishtinetwork/status/1854794935557669313) * **Staking Summit Pitch contest:** Shady and Nanak gave a pitch on Mishti Network, and missed 1st place by just 1 point (!!!), showcasing it as an innovative AVS on Eigenayer. [![](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/youtube/play.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aEB2qpZRyo) * **Ethereum Cypherpunk Congress**: Shady delivered a [key note](https://x.com/web3privacy/status/1877659246344511708) expanding the notion behind digital identity. [![](https://paragraph.xyz/editor/youtube/play.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-SWBj3N6nc) * **ZK ID Working Group**: The team joined a workshop hosted by [PSE](https://pse.dev/en) for ZK identity protocols, to discuss some of the core problems and potential solutions within ZK identity.  ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/445a1d4b855b0c8b6e6cfa2c49dfef22.jpg) **Web3 Marketing Hackathon:** Holonym sponsored the first Web3 marketing hackathon to create awareness around Human Digital Rights. Winners include ‘[Your Voice, Your Privacy](https://x.com/0xHolonym/status/1867526162903445833)’ a privacy-focused awareness campaign, a [social media initiative](https://x.com/0xHolonym/status/1867526186177540574) leveraging Holonym’s stack, and ‘[The Keys to Digital Freedom](https://x.com/0xHolonym/status/1867526210898866402)’, an article highlighting Holonym’s human-centric approach to digital identity. * * * Outlook for Q1 2025 =================== * **Zeronym Advancements:** Launch Proof of Clean Hands out of beta for on-chain KYC/AML use cases, and deploy Zeronym for real world use cases that intersect with crypto.  * **Mishti Network Mainnet Launch:** Strengthening [Mishti](https://x.com/mishtinetwork)’s decentralized infrastructure with new staking partners and launching on [EigenLayer](https://x.com/eigenlayer) and [Symbiotic](https://symbiotic.fi/). * **Hardening The Human Digital Rights Movement**: Holonym will continue to work closely with external stakeholders and human righst organizations to raise awareness and implement its decentralized tools for resilient coordination mechanisms and privacy-preserving digital infrastructure. * * * **Thank you for an Incredible 2024** ------------------------------------ As we step into 2025, we remain committed to advancing privacy, security, and digital human rights through our Human Keys technology. We’re excited to have you with us on this journey. _Join the conversation and explore more: follow on_ [_X_](https://x.com/0xHolonym)_,_ [_BlueSky_](https://Humantech.bsky.social)_,_ [_LinkedIn_](https://www.linkedin.com/company/81841151/admin/dashboard/) --- *Originally published on [human.tech](https://newsletter.human.tech/holonym-2024q4-retrospective)*