Pi Network has shared new details about its KYC verification system, explaining why some users continue to see a “Tentative KYC” status while the network expands its Mainnet migration efforts.
According to the official announcement, Pi Network said identity verification remains one of the most important pillars supporting its ecosystem, which is built around a strict “one person, one account” policy.
Pi has reached a massive growth milestone, reporting that over 18.1 million users have completed its native identity verification process, with 16.7 million successfully migrating their balances to the Pi Mainnet blockchain.
About the Tentative KYC status
The network clarified that a tentative KYC status does not represent a rejection but instead signals that additional verification steps are still required before final approval.
Pi said these extra checks may include liveness verification, application reviews, or additional system validation processes designed to identify fake or duplicate accounts.
The network explained that maintaining verified human participation is essential for supporting real-world blockchain applications, payments, and digital services. “Pi believes effective KYC should not allow every account to pass easily,” the post stated.
According to Pi Network, weak verification systems could allow duplicate accounts to migrate to Mainnet, distort rewards, and reduce trust across the ecosystem.
AI efficiency boost
To manage the verification of its 60+ million monthly active Pioneers, Pi Network has integrated large-scale AI-powered improvements. This system combines machine learning models with decentralized human review to obfuscate sensitive data while validating authenticity.
The results of the AI upgrade include: millions of “Tentative” cases successfully cleared and moved to eligibility; a 50% reduction in human review backlogs; and enhanced fraud detection against bot-driven “farm” accounts.
“Pi believes effective KYC should not allow every account to pass easily,” the network stated, emphasizing that a weak system would dilute rewards and reduce trust in the upcoming Open Network.
The network also said human validators continue to review critical parts of applications while AI systems help process and obfuscate sensitive user data.
The May 15 deadline and future focus
The milestone comes at a critical technical juncture. Pi Network has set a May 15, 2026, deadline for all Mainnet node operators to upgrade to Protocol 23 and Desktop Node version 0.5.4.
This upgrade is essential for the network to remain synchronized as it expands its smart contract capabilities and prepares for decentralized applications (dApps) and the Pi DEX. Failure to upgrade by the deadline will result in node operators losing connection to the blockchain.
Furthermore, founders Nicolas Kokkalis and Chengdiao Fan highlighted at the recent Consensus 2026 conference, Pi is positioning its 18.1 million verified users as a “human infrastructure for AI.” This foundation is designed to support real-world commerce and institutional settlements where identity verification is a non-negotiable requirement.
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