Heaptalk, Jakarta — On the commemoration of National Music Day on March 9, secure and fair access to concert tickets seems achievable with the presence of the proof of human (PoH) technology called World by Tools for Humanity (TFH). This technology is designed to ensure that only real humans, not bots, can purchase concert tickets.
With the sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI)-based fraud and the growing methods of concert ticket scams, existing security measures such as email verification or Captcha tests are no longer sufficient to stop bots and fraudsters. PoH technology integrates verification steps that require users to prove their identity as real humans anonymously through iris verification using the Orb. As a result, Tools for Humanity claims it is nearly impossible for internet users to create fake social media accounts or bots to buy tickets.
World is expected to protect music fans from scalping and ticket fraud while enabling event organizers or promoters to obtain more accurate sales data. Wafa Taftazani, General Manager of Tools for Humanity Indonesia, stated that Proof of Human through World is not only a technology but also a concrete step toward building a fairer and safer digital ecosystem for everyone, including the music community in Indonesia. “We believe that by adopting this technology, music fans can be protected from fraud and ultimately support the growth of a healthier music industry,” Wafa said.
Rising cases of concert-related fraud
The issue of ticket fraud and unfair practices in concert ticket sales became rampant in 2025 when the Indonesian music industry was recovering post-covid, with a series of international artist concerts and high public enthusiasm. Concert ticket fraud often involves fake identities on social media. Perpetrators also frequently use disguised identities, such as misusing others’ ID cards, to deceive buyers and temporary bank accounts to process transactions.
In 2024, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) recorded at least 182 cases of concert-related fraud reported, with suspicious transactions totaling Rp2.3 billion, approximately US$141,200 (US$1 equals Rp16,289). This number increased significantly from 119 cases in 2022, with suspicious transactions reaching Rp735 million or around US$45,114.
Another issue is ticket scalpers using bots to hoard concert tickets when sales open and resell them at exorbitant prices. This practice not only harms music fans but also impacts event promoters. Rizki Aulia, better known as Kiki Ucup, a renowned Indonesian concert promoter, shared his experience when he noticed irregularities during the Pestapora music festival he organized in 2022 and 2023. Half of the ticket purchases were recorded from domains in the United States. He suspected that this finding indicated the use of bots to obtain tickets.
“Promoters can’t map out where the highest enthusiasm and the largest number of buyers are actually coming from,” Kiki Ucup said. He also emphasized the importance of public education about the risks of buying concert tickets through scalpers and the need to improve the ticket sales system.
Ananda Badudu, a musician at Banda Neira music group, also stressed the need for fairness and security for music fans to purchase concert tickets. He added, “Using bots to buy concert tickets is an example of technology being used for the wrong purposes. This technology harms the public since those who genuinely want to buy tickets or participate in ticket wars will lose to bots operated by scalpers who will resell the tickets at higher prices.”
“We believe Proof of Human technology can be a key solution to protect music fans and even preserve the integrity of the music industry. With this technology, we can ensure that when musicians perform, those who get the tickets are the ones who truly admire and support their music,” Wafa concluded.
