TL;DR

• The Lido Protocol introduced Identified Community Stakers (ICS) in the Community Staking Module (CSM), inviting independent stakers to run validators under improved parameters.

• Human Passport powers ICS’s proof of humanity check (alongside other providers).

• Verify on Lido’s Custom Passport dashboard, collect Stamps, and reach 3–8 points (≥3 required). Your score will map directly to Lido’s verification system in the CSM.

• Every verification also earns you HUMN points, now live in HUMN onchain SUMR.

• Learn more on Lido’s announcement blog.

When Ethereum first introduced staking on the Beacon Chain in 2020, running a validator node came with a strict requirement of locking up 32 ETH – about $19,000 at that time. By the Merge in 2022, when proof-of-stake became the only way to run a node, that same amount had soared to $50,000–$60,000, cutting most users out of direct participation.

That’s where Lido came in. Launched in December 2020, just weeks after staking began, Lido opened the door for anyone to stake any amount of ETH.

Today, Lido is the leading liquid staking protocol, making node operation support accessible at scale via three staking modules.

The Community Staking Module (CSM) is one of these modules, and the first permissionless one, allowing anyone to run validators using the Lido protocol with low capital requirements and enhanced rewards, with the goal of enfranchising more independent stakers to participate in Ethereum validation.

ICS: A Path for Independent Node Operators

Ethereum depends on validator node operators to keep the network running, and Lido helps bring them on board. At the same time, Lido gives users a way to pool deposits and receive stETH – a liquid token representing their stake that can be used across DeFi.

Ethereum benefits from diversity among validators: broader independent participation means greater decentralisation and security. Lido supports it by introducing the Simple DVT Module and CSM to increase the diversification of its operator and validator sets.

To further level the field, Lido introduced Identified Community Stakers (ICS) – independent node operators who verify their unique humanity before joining. ICS is designed to give smaller stakers a fair path into running validators using Lido CSM, helping diversify the Ethereum network.

Tweet by Lido Finance, Jun 4, 2025

Proof of Humanity in ICS with Human Passport

For ICS to work, there needs to be confidence that each staker is a real, unique person. That verification had to come without heavy gatekeeping, putting privacy at risk, and relying on a single method that could fail. Lido’s answer was a pluralistic system – an approach that aligns perfectly with Human Passport’s modular design.

Lido’s ICS verification is built on three components: Experience, Engagement, and Humanity. To qualify, stakers must pass all three and reach a combined ICS score of at least 15 total from all categories (see image below for more details).

To power the proof of humanity (PoH) block, Lido integrated Human Passport, alongside Circles and social platforms like X and Discord. With Passport, stakers prove humanity by collecting Stamps – proofs of real-life or onchain activity – without exposing sensitive personal data.

There are 8 points to collect toward the ICS score using Human Passport. Lido runs their verification through a dedicated Passport dashboard tailored to their system – Custom Passport – more about it below.

⚠️ Humanity Score on Lido’s dashboard will differ from the score shown at app.passport.xyz. Both are valid – Lido uses custom scoring for ICS.

How to Verify for ICS with Human Passport

💠 STEP 1: Open the Lido Passport dashboard at app.passport.xyz/#/lido_csm.

💠 STEP 2: Connect your wallet (use the same wallet as on CSM).

💠 STEP 3: Collect Stamps to build your Humanity Score – aim for at least 3 and max 8 points.

💠 STEP 4: Go to the Community Staking Module at csm.lido.fi.

💠 STEP 5: Proceed with ICS application – your ICS score from Passport will automatically be applied in CSM.

⚠️ NOTE: Your Humanity Score on Lido’s dashboard will differ from the score at app.passport.xyz. Both are valid – Lido uses custom scoring for ICS.

For a more detailed step-by-step guide and FAQs, see the dedicated support knowledge base article.

Why Verification Matters

In open web3 systems, one participant can control many validators. Without identity checks, programs like CSM risk being dominated by large operators, leaving smaller stakers with fewer opportunities.

Human Passport helps Lido achieve:

• Fair access – each participant counts once.

• Stronger communities – Node Operators are real, unique people.

• Better incentives – rewards are distributed across more independent stakers.

For ICS, this means smaller, independent stakers can join on better terms, improving Ethereum’s decentralisation.

Note: if you’re verified with Human Passport once, your score counts for different campaigns across web3.

Custom Passport for Tailored Design and Logic

For the ICS, Lido requested a Custom Passport dashboard, designed to match their brand and logic.

To simplify the process for users, score values are aligned with Lido’s Community Staking Module, ranging from 3 points (minimum) to 8 (maximum). This score will be translated 1:1 to the user’s ICS application score on Lido. The Stamp weights have also been adjusted to amplify the Stamps with the strongest humanity signal, according to Lido’s needs.

Custom Passport lets partners run humanity verification on their own terms – branded, tailored with custom Stamp weights and scoring rules, and integrated directly into their product flows. Soon, it will also be available via Passport Embed, making verification even smoother, keeping users on the partner’s site.

If you’re interested in building with Custom Passport, please reach out to our team.

What’s Next

The launch of Identified Community Stakers (ICS) marks an important step for Lido’s Community Staking Module, widening participation and keeping the system inclusive.

Verifying with Passport is now a way to contribute to Ethereum’s security while building a Humanity Score to carry across web3. Already looking for the next campaign? HUMN onchain SUMR is live, and you’ve already earned your first HUMN Points.

👉 Verify now on Lido’s Passport dashboard: app.passport.xyz/#/lido_csm

👉 Learn more about ICS and CSM in Lido’s blog: https://blog.lido.fi/unlock-exclusive-benefits-as-an-identified-community-staker/

👉 Explore HUMN onchain SUMR: app.passport.xyz

FAQ

How many points can I score through Passport for the ICS?

On the Lido dashboard, you can score between 3 and 8 points. These are mapped directly into Lido’s broader verification framework for the campaign. It’s not possible to score more than 8 points, even if additional Stamps are verified.

Why is my Humanity Score on the Lido dashboard different from the main Passport app?

Because Lido uses custom scoring, the score on their dashboard differs from what you see in the main Passport app. Both are valid – Lido’s dashboard shows the score that counts for their campaign only.

Do Stamps verified for the Lido campaign count in the main Passport app too?

Yes. Stamps you verify for Lido also count in the main Passport app. That means you can keep using them across other Passport-secured campaigns, including HUMN onchain SUMR, which is currently live.

Can I change my wallet after verifying?

No. Verification is tied to the wallet you connected when collecting Stamps. Make sure to use the same wallet for both HumanPassport and the Community Staking Module.

I have a problem with verification. Where to find help?

👉 Knowledge base article: https://support.passport.xyz/passport-knowledge-base/partner-campaigns/lido-ics-proof-of-humanity

👉 Passport’s support: https://support.passport.xyz/passport-knowledge-base/need-support

👉 Lido Discord: https://discord.com/invite/lido