Pi Network Protocol v23 Upgrade Pushes Governance And KYC Directly On Chain

TLDR

Table of Contents

Protocol v23 integrates KYC authority directly into Pi Network’s blockchain layer
The upgrade increases throughput to thousands of transactions per second
On-chain logic now enforces identity and validation rules across the network
Protocol v23 prepares Pi Network for future dApps and governance expansion

The Pi Network has rolled out a major protocol update that reshapes how identity, validation, and governance work on its blockchain. Protocol v23 introduces deep structural changes rather than surface-level upgrades. As the number of Mainnet users grows, the network is moving core functions directly on-chain. The update sets a new technical direction while keeping changes measured and staged across the ecosystem.

Protocol v23 Expands Core Network Infrastructure

Pi Network has deployed Protocol v23 across its infrastructure, marking one of its most extensive upgrades to date. The update introduces a redesigned core engine that improves how transactions are processed and verified. This change supports higher throughput while maintaining predictable performance during peak activity.

The network now supports transaction speeds measured in the thousands per second. This capacity aims to accommodate rising Mainnet usage as more applications and wallets become active. The upgrade also prepares the chain for future load rather than reacting to congestion after it appears.

Protocol v23 is live, shifting power to the Pioneers! A mainnet-related vote is expected this month, giving you the chance to shape the future for 15.8M+ users. True decentralization is here.
Stay alert: @PiCoreTeam is the only official account.#PiNetwork #Web3 #CryptoVote pic.twitter.com/7x2SRpbaGv
— RichAdams (@RichAdams0x) January 8, 2026

Protocol v23 also modernizes internal execution logic. This allows more consistent behavior across nodes and validators. As a result, network coordination improves while reducing reliance on manual adjustments during scaling phases.

KYC Authority Moves Directly Onto the Blockchain

A central feature of Protocol v23 is the migration of KYC authority onto the blockchain itself. Identity verification now forms part of protocol-level logic rather than relying on off-chain systems. This change allows validation rules to be enforced directly through consensus.

On-chain KYC increases transparency and auditability of identity status without exposing personal data publicly. Validation outcomes can be verified by the network while remaining consistent across all nodes. This reduces fragmentation between identity checks and transaction permissions.

By embedding KYC into the protocol, Pi aligns identity with transaction execution. Wallet activity, access rights, and participation rules now follow unified on-chain logic. This structure supports compliance-ready designs while retaining decentralized execution.

Smart Contract Support and dApp Readiness Improve

Protocol v23 also opens the door to expanded smart contract functionality. The upgrade supports Rust-based contracts, which are designed for performance and predictable execution. This move prepares the network for more complex decentralized applications.

Developers can now build exchanges, payment tools, and utility apps with higher confidence in execution speed. Contract logic benefits from improved throughput and reduced latency. These changes aim to support broader application testing ahead of 2026.

The protocol does not activate all features at once. Instead, smart contract capabilities will roll out in stages. This approach allows developers and validators to test stability while avoiding network disruptions.

Governance Gradually Shifts Toward On-Chain Control

Protocol v23 signals a measured move toward on-chain governance. More rules that once depended on off-chain coordination now execute through protocol logic. This reduces manual oversight while increasing consistency in enforcement.

Governance changes remain incremental. The network continues stability testing and phased deployment across Mainnet components. These steps aim to ensure reliability as more authority shifts to code-based rules.

Community response has focused on the technical foundation rather than short-term outcomes. Protocol v23 sets a framework for future governance decisions. How this framework evolves will depend on adoption, testing results, and continued network growth.