A new lightweight protocol called human.json aims to help internet users distinguish human-authored content from AI-generated material. Created by Beto Dealmeida, the protocol lets website owners declare their humanity and vouch for others through a simple JSON file that browsers can crawl and verify.

The system works by having sites publish a human.json file containing their URL and optional vouches for other trusted sites. Users install browser extensions that follow these trust relationships, displaying visual indicators when visiting human-verified sites. Green dots show direct or one-hop trust, while yellow and orange indicate more distant connections through the vouch network.

By leveraging URL ownership as identity and creating a crawlable web of trust, human.json offers a decentralized approach to content verification. The protocol includes specific URL matching rules, CORS headers for browser compatibility, and a simple JSON schema. While still in draft status at version 0.1.1, the system represents an attempt to combat AI-generated content without requiring centralized authority.