NFT Utility Questioned After PoAP Shutdown

Proof of Attendance Protocol (PoAP), an NFT-based solution for verifying attendance at events, has shut down after five years in operation. The move has raised questions about the utility and practicality of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a whole.

PoAP allowed users to create unique digital badges that confirmed their attendance at various events. However, despite its initial promise, the project struggled to gain traction and ultimately ceased operations in May 2026.

The shutdown has sparked debate about the use cases for NFTs beyond mere speculation and trading. Some experts argue that NFTs have failed to deliver on their potential as a tool for real-world applications.