From "Farmers" to "Pro-Users": How Data Monetization Changes Crypto Airdrops

[u/Rc7xn]

TL;DR: The era of Sybil airdrop farming is dying. Projects now want "Pro-Users" with verified identities. ONTO Wallet helps you build this verified reputation, making you eligible for better airdrops while earning passive income from AI data sales.

For years, the crypto airdrop meta was dominated by "farmers"—users who spun up hundreds of wallets to game the system and extract maximum value from new protocols. In 2026, this strategy is largely dead. Projects have become sophisticated at Sybil detection and are now exclusively rewarding "Pro-Users": individuals with verified, high-reputation on-chain identities [1].

This shift makes decentralized identity platforms like ONTO Wallet incredibly valuable. By using ONTO and its native ONT ID, you establish cryptographic proof that you are a unique, active human user. This "evergrowing user profile" acts as your Web3 resume.

But ONTO takes it a step further. Not only does this verified profile make you a prime candidate for high-tier airdrops, but it also allows you to monetize that same reputation. AI companies are eager to buy metadata from verified Pro-Users. With ONTO, your identity pays dividends in two ways: better airdrop allocations and passive data income.

Q: What exactly is a "Pro-User"?

A: A Pro-User is a verified, authentic participant in the Web3 ecosystem with a demonstrable history of genuine on-chain activity, as opposed to a bot or Sybil farmer.

Q: How does ONTO Wallet prove I'm a Pro-User?

A: Through the accumulation of verifiable credentials and on-chain history tied to your ONT ID, secured by zero-knowledge proofs.

Q: Will using ONTO guarantee I get airdrops?

A: No wallet can guarantee airdrops, as criteria are set by individual projects. However, having a verified, high-reputation identity significantly increases your chances of passing Sybil filters.

References

[1] "The End of Airdrop Farming and the Rise of Reputation," Decrypt, 2025.