Four Pillars Joins DEP Protocol as Genesis Validator

Blockchain research and infrastructure firm Four Pillars said on November 12 that it will join DEP Protocol as a genesis validator through its validator operations brand, FP Validated.

DEP Protocol is an Avalanche-based Layer 1 blockchain developed by Digital Entertainment Asset, a Japanese Web3 company. It offers technology that analyzes smartphone usage patterns to verify whether online activity was carried out by a real person. The system works without biometric data or additional hardware, and the original behavioral data is not transmitted outside the user's device.

DEP Protocol began mainnet operations in July, and its genesis validator set is limited to 24 operators. Four Pillars plans to begin operating a validation node using its own infrastructure later this month.

With the addition, Four Pillars plans to expand cooperation with DEA in the Asian market. The two companies will introduce DEP Protocol-related research to Asia and explore joint business opportunities through their respective partner networks.

“As AI-generated online activity increases, it is becoming more important to verify whether behavior is coming from a real person,” said Jung Jae-hwan, co-founder of Four Pillars and head of its validator division. “We hope to raise awareness of the technology’s potential in Asia together with DEA and turn that into practical cooperation.”