Interlink Pivots to L1 for "Safe Harbor"
The Interlink protocol is shifting from its previous structure to become an independent L1 blockchain. The team cited regulatory advantages and the need for a "Safe Harbor" as the primary driver for the move, which also includes a new dual-token model.
The move to a Layer 1 is a strategic pivot from Interlink's previous incarnation as a decentralized application and Web3 protocol centered on its "InterLink ID," a biometric-verified identity layer. This transition to a sovereign blockchain is intended to provide greater independence, scalability, and control over the network's performance, costs, and security without reliance on an external ecosystem. The "Safe Harbor" concept refers to a proposal by SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce that would give new crypto networks a three-year grace period to decentralize before being subject to stringent securities laws. By aligning with this framework, Interlink aims to mitigate regulatory risks while it builds out its network, a common concern for projects distributing tokens to foster growth and functionality. Interlink's new dual-token model is central to this strategy, separating institutional and community functions. The $ITL token is designed as a reserve asset for institutional partners to access the "Human Layer" through staking, while the $ITLG token will function as the utility and governance token for verified users within the ecosystem. This structure appears designed to have the institutional-facing asset comply with existing financial regulations, while the utility token can grow within the "Safe Harbor" framework. The project is led by CEO Dr. Benjamin Tran, a Silicon Valley veteran with extensive experience in M&A, venture capital, and senior roles at tech companies like Micron Technology and Fujitsu. His background in both traditional technology and capital markets provides context for Interlink's strategic shift towards becoming a foundational, institution-friendly blockchain. Interlink's core technology is a "Proof of Personhood" consensus mechanism, which uses biometric verification to ensure each node is a unique human participant. This is designed to combat bots and Sybil attacks, which can manipulate governance and distort token distribution in other networks. The new Layer 1, the "InterLink Chain," is EVM-compatible, allowing developers familiar with Ethereum's tools to build applications on the network. The chain is targeting a throughput of 10,000 transactions per second, aiming to support a wide range of "mini-apps" in social, gaming, and finance. By establishing its own L1, Interlink is betting that the long-term benefits of controlling its own infrastructure will outweigh the challenges of building a new ecosystem from the ground up. The success of this pivot will depend on its ability to attract a critical mass of verified human users and developers to its new, independent chain.
