What is Worldcoin and what role does it play?
Worldcoin is a digital identity and token project that uses iris scans to prove you are a unique human. Its WLD token carries governance duties.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 6, 20263 min readFact-checked
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- World ID proves humanness without revealing who you are.
- The Orb is run by independent local businesses called Orb Operators.
- WLD holders can take part in governing the protocol.
- Kenya suspended operations in 2023 and Spain ordered a halt in 2024.
Worldcoin launched in July 2023 with an unusual goal: proving that an online user is a real, unique person. The project's role is to provide World ID for that check, and it also has a token, WLD, for governance and rewards.
What is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin is a digital identity and token project that uses iris scans to prove a person is a unique human. At its center is World ID, which the project describes as a privacy-preserving global identity network. Worldcoin says World ID lets a person show they are a real, unique human online without giving up their privacy. The WLD token is separate from that credential.
How does Worldcoin work?
Verification starts in an app and finishes at a physical device. The process is designed to confirm that a person is a unique human and to issue a credential called an Orb-verified World ID.
- Download a wallet app that can create a World ID.
- Visit an Orb to get an Orb-verified World ID.
- The Orb uses sensors that check for humanness and uniqueness.
- Independent local businesses called Orb Operators run the Orbs.
- Worldcoin says zero-knowledge proofs keep a user's privacy during verification.
What is WLD used for?
WLD is the Worldcoin token. Worldcoin describes it as a utility token that also carries governance properties.
- Worldcoin says WLD holders can take part in governing the protocol.
- Worldcoin says verified World ID holders can receive free WLD on a repeating basis, as long as availability limits allow.
- Worldcoin says World ID can support fair airdrops and token or NFT sales.
- Worldcoin says World ID can protect social media against bots and sybil attacks.
Who created Worldcoin?
Worldcoin was founded by Sam Altman and Alex Blania and is built by Tools for Humanity. It launched in July 2023. Altman is also a co-founder of OpenAI.
How does Worldcoin differ and face scrutiny?
Most cryptocurrencies are money or a network for running code, while Worldcoin's centerpiece is an identity system. Other digital identity projects usually rely on documents or social vouching rather than biometrics.
Frequently asked questions
Orb verification has been limited in the US, and access has expanded gradually, so check whether an Orb operates near you.
Worldcoin says the Orb deletes images on the device by default unless the user explicitly consents to Data Custody.
Tools for Humanity launched World Chain in October 2024, an Ethereum layer 2 built around World ID users.
No. World ID works on its own and does not require holding WLD.
