> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.humanode.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.humanode.io/whitepaper/biometric-marketplace.md).

# Biometric Marketplace

The Biometric Marketplace is a modular system that allows multiple biometric providers to plug into the Humanode network. Instead of relying on a single algorithm or vendor, the network supports a set of interchangeable biometric modules that follow the Proof-of-Biometric-Uniqueness standard and run inside Confidential Virtual Machines.

The Biometric Marketplace enables:

* Integration of multiple biometric vendors into Humanode or any PoBU-compatible system\ <br>
* Competition based on accuracy, privacy, performance, and cost\ <br>
* Fallback and redundancy if a provider is compromised or becomes unavailable\ <br>
* Vendor independence, avoiding lock-in to a single company or algorithm

### Components

| Biometric Provider Module | A plug-in that performs liveness detection, feature extraction, and matching                   |
| ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Verification Layer        | Middleware that makes different biometric tech PoBU compatible                                 |
| CVM Runtime Environment   | All biometric modules run inside Confidential Virtual Machines to ensure privacy and isolation |
| On-chain Registry         | DAO-managed list of active biometric providers                                                 |
| Performance Monitoring    | Tracks accuracy, latency, and operational integrity over time                                  |

All providers in the marketplace must be compatible with CVMs. CVMs protect biometric processing from the host environment and ensure that no raw data or templates ever leave the secure enclave. This setup aligns with the Humanode trust model and is technically compatible with most biometric systems already in use today.

While multiple providers can exist in the marketplace, each user is verified through a core provider to prevent duplicate enrollments or evasion of uniqueness constraints. Redundancy is introduced at the network level - not at the user level - to ensure continuity in case of failure or removal of a provider.

DAO governance manages the lifecycle of each provider, including onboarding, auditing, and removal. This ensures that the biometric verification layer remains functional and secure without compromising on privacy or decentralization.<br>

By decoupling biometric logic from the protocol, Humanode allows:

* Continuous adaptation to new biometric techniques
* Replacement of compromised or outdated providers without disrupting the network
* Strong enforcement of privacy through uniform CVM isolation
* Avoidance of centralization at the biometric layer

The Biometric Marketplace ensures that uniqueness verification remains a flexible yet controlled part of the system, capable of evolving without compromising its core guarantees.