- Worldcoin uses biometric data for proof of personhood
- The new cryptocurrency attracts more and more followers
- What is an Orb and how to get free WLD tokens?
- Privacy is in demand in any part of the world
Verifying human identity online is a difficult issue given the huge number of bots and the widespread use of AI. How can you prove that you are person and not a robot? Can you tell if you are communicating with a computer or a human being? Worldcoin is a new project that can help solve this difficult task.
Worldcoin uses biometric data for proof of personhood
This does not mean that users need to purchase special hardware and use it every time they go online. It is enough to receive a World ID once to be able to provide proof of personhood.
Founded by Sam Altman from OpenAI and Alex Blania, the startup uses eyeball-scanning technology. The project is being deployed internationally and is aimed to provide a reliable solution for “distinguishing humans from AI online,” enable “global democratic processes”, and “drastically increase economic opportunity.”
In total, the startup has attracted investment in the amount of 250 million US dollars. Its investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, and Reid Hoffman. According to the startup’s founders, the identity technology and the token will be available internationally. To receive a World ID, a user needs to download World App, the wallet software that is compatible with Worldcoin’s protocol, and use an Orb, an eyeball-scanning verification device in the shape of a helmet.
“‘Proof of personhood’ is one of the core ideas behind Worldcoin, and refers to establishing an individual is both human and unique. Once established, it gives the individual the ability to assert they are a real person and different from another real person, without having to reveal their real-world identity.
Today, proof of personhood is an unsolved problem on a global scale, making it difficult to vote online or distribute value on a large scale. The problem is even more pressing as increasingly powerful AI models will further amplify the difficulty of distinguishing humans from bots. If successful as part of Worldcoin, World ID could become a global proof of personhood standard.”
The new cryptocurrency attracts more and more followers
Worldcoin may also be interpreted as a daring attempt to bribe the world and convince users to embrace their cryptocurrency. Worldcoin wants to place a crypto wallet (and some of their cryptocurrency) onto every user’s smartphone. However, to do so they need to have a method for proving one’s human identity.
Over three years since the beginning of its development, Worldcoin has been registering individuals across many countries, including India, giving each new user 25 Worldcoin tokens. Between May 2021 and July 2023, over 2 million people verified their World IDs at an Orb in over 30 countries across the world.
What is an Orb and how to get free WLD tokens?
An Orb is an eye-scanning device that provides biometric data.
Worldcoin is operated by a company that provides individuals access to its identity and financial network. Teams of its operators visit crowded places such as malls and universities, to answer questions about their project and help people register their World ID safely using an Orb. Upon registering, each new user receives 25 free coins. Currently, they are available in 18 countries, including the United Kingdom, Argentine, Chile, India, Kenya, Japan, Spain, and others.
Privacy is in demand in any part of the world
Worldcoin’s website describes the projects key potential applications: incentive alignment, including coupons and loyalty programs that are traditionally prone to fraud, protection against bots with the help of proof of personhood, and contributing to global democratic processes.
The company states, “If successful, Worldcoin could considerably increase economic opportunity, scale a reliable solution for distinguishing humans from AI online while preserving privacy, enable global democratic processes, and show a potential path to AI-funded UBI.”
