Pi Network Tests Palm Print KYC as 189M Token Unlock Nears

Pi Network has started testing a new palm print check inside its KYC system. The update comes as the network prepares for its biggest token unlock of the year. Around 189 million PI tokens are set to unlock in February. This creates pressure on supply and price. With that, the team is trying to strengthen identity checks before more users enter the mainnet.

Palm Print KYC Enters Beta

The new feature uses palm print patterns to confirm user identity. It adds another way to prove that a real person is behind an account. First, Pi Network is giving this option to new users who apply for KYC. Later, it will roll out to early users who already passed checks.

The goal is to stop fake accounts and speed up approvals. Palm print scans act as a liveness test. They work alongside face scans and ID checks. Supporters say this makes it harder to cheat the system. Pi Network also says the method protects privacy because it doesn’t rely only on face data.

Migration Push and Validator Rewards

This test follows a large migration update in January. Pi unblocked about 2.5 million users who were stuck due to regional or security checks. These users can now move their balances to mainnet if they stay active and finish the checklist. The Pi network also plans to pay KYC validators soon. Rewards are expected by the end of March. Testing for this system is still ongoing. Validators review user applications and help filter out bad actors. With more users joining, Pi needs more reviewers to keep things moving.

Token Unlock Adds Pressure

February will see the largest monthly unlock so far. About 189 million PI tokens will enter circulation. January already released around 134 million. Many users link these unlocks to recent price weakness. More tokens mean more supply. That often leads to selling pressure.

Community posts describe this month as a “stress test.” Pi now has over 16 million users migrated to mainnet. Around 3 million more are in progress. Supporters say strong identity checks are needed before more supply hits the market. They argue that trust matters more than speed right now.

What This Means for the Pi Network

The timing of the palm print test is not random. Pi is trying to show that growth comes with tighter rules. More users and more tokens need stronger controls. Palm print KYC fits that story. Still, not everyone is convinced. Some users worry about delays and data use. While others say the project must move faster toward open mainnet and real utility.

Currently, Pi Network wants to meet the token unlock with better security. It wants fewer bots and more real people. Whether this helps price or adoption is still unknown. But the network is choosing to focus on trust as supply rises.