The highly anticipated cryptocurrency token from Worldcoin, a project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has officially launched. With the release of its native token WLD, the project marks a pivotal step in bridging artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology. Designed to address digital identity verification and explore new economic models in the AI era, Worldcoin is positioning itself at the forefront of Web3 innovation.
What Is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin is an open-source protocol backed by a global network of developers, economists, and tech experts. It aims to expand access to the global economy through digital identity and decentralized finance. The project is structured around two core entities:
- Worldcoin Foundation: Acts as the steward of the protocol, focusing on community growth and long-term governance.
- Tools for Humanity (TFH): The technical force behind Worldcoin, responsible for developing the infrastructure and currently operating the World App.
Headquartered in San Francisco and Berlin, TFH has raised $115 million in a Series C funding round led by Blockchain Capital, with Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) participating for the third time. This financial backing underscores strong industry confidence in Worldcoin’s vision.
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Introducing World ID: A Biometric Passport for the Digital World
At the heart of Worldcoin is World ID, a unique digital identity verified through biometric data. Unlike traditional Web3 wallets that only manage crypto assets, the World App wallet integrates identity verification via a physical device called the Orb.
To create a World ID, users must undergo an iris scan using the Orb—a globe-shaped hardware device first developed in 2021. The Orb captures high-resolution images of the eye and converts them into a cryptographic hash known as an IrisHash—a short string of numbers that uniquely identifies a person without storing raw biometric data.
This process ensures that:
- Only real humans can register.
- No duplicate identities are created.
- Privacy is preserved through zero-knowledge proofs and decentralized storage.
With over 2 million users already verified across more than 30 countries during its pre-launch phase (May 2021 – July 2023), Worldcoin has laid substantial groundwork before the official token rollout.
Why Digital Identity Matters in the Age of AI
As AI systems like ChatGPT become increasingly capable of mimicking human behavior online, distinguishing between real people and bots has never been more critical. World ID aims to solve this challenge by offering a humanity verification layer for the internet.
“In a world where AI can generate human-like text, we need a way to prove you’re actually a person,” states the project’s whitepaper.
By anchoring identity on the blockchain, World ID ensures that digital interactions—whether voting in decentralized governance, claiming benefits, or participating in token distributions—remain resistant to manipulation by automated systems.
WLD Tokenomics: Distribution and Utility
The WLD token serves as the governance and utility token of the Worldcoin ecosystem. Key details include:
- Maximum supply: 10 billion WLD
- Initial circulating supply at launch: 143 million WLD
Token Allocation Breakdown:
- 75% to community: Distributed to users who verified their identity via Orb, ecosystem grants, and network operations.
- 9.8% to founding team
- 13.5% to investors (Tools for Humanity)
- 1.7% as reserve for Tools for Humanity
Of the initial supply:
- 43 million WLD were allocated to early adopters who completed Orb verification during the pre-launch period.
- 100 million WLD were loaned to market makers outside the United States to ensure liquidity.
This distribution model emphasizes decentralization and user empowerment, aligning with core Web3 principles.
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Universal Basic Income in the AI Era: Sam Altman’s Vision
One of the most ambitious aspects of Worldcoin is its alignment with Sam Altman’s long-standing advocacy for Universal Basic Income (UBI)—a system where all individuals receive regular payments from a central fund, regardless of employment status.
Altman argues that as AI automates more jobs, traditional income structures will face disruption. To mitigate rising inequality, he proposes distributing the economic gains of AI equitably across the global population.
“AI will do more and more of what humans currently do. We need systems like UBI to ensure everyone benefits,” Altman said.
Worldcoin could serve as the infrastructure for such a system. By verifying unique human identities, it prevents fraud and enables fair distribution. Altman once envisioned distributing crypto tokens to 1 billion people who complete iris scanning—a bold step toward financial inclusion.
While he acknowledges that a fully realized UBI is still a “very distant future,” Worldcoin provides a working prototype to test these ideas at scale.
Addressing Privacy and Ethical Concerns
Despite its promise, Worldcoin has faced scrutiny over data privacy and ethical implications of biometric collection. Critics question whether iris scanning could be misused or lead to surveillance risks.
In response, the project emphasizes:
- Iris data is not stored centrally; it's converted into IrisHash and deleted after verification.
- Zero-knowledge cryptography ensures identity proofs are private and secure.
- Users retain full control over their World ID and can choose when to share it.
Additionally, Worldcoin operates under strict regulatory compliance frameworks in each country it enters, currently active in 35 cities across 20 nations.
FAQ: Your Questions About Worldcoin Answered
Q: What is the purpose of the WLD token?
A: WLD is used for governance within the Worldcoin ecosystem, allowing holders to vote on protocol upgrades and community proposals. It also incentivizes participation and may support future UBI-like distributions.
Q: Is Worldcoin safe to use?
A: Yes. The system uses advanced encryption and decentralized storage to protect user data. Iris images are deleted after hash generation, minimizing privacy risks.
Q: How can I get WLD tokens?
A: You can earn WLD by verifying your identity through an Orb device in supported locations. Additional methods may include liquidity provision or ecosystem participation.
Q: Can AI fake a World ID?
A: No. The Orb relies on physical biometrics—specifically iris patterns—that cannot be replicated by software or deepfakes.
Q: Is this related to ChatGPT or OpenAI?
A: While Sam Altman co-founded both OpenAI and Worldcoin, they are separate entities. Worldcoin is independent and not affiliated with OpenAI’s products.
Q: Will everyone eventually get free money from Worldcoin?
A: Not immediately. While UBI remains a long-term goal, current distributions are limited incentives for early adopters. Future economic models are still experimental.
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Final Thoughts: Bridging AI, Identity, and Economic Equity
Worldcoin represents one of the most ambitious attempts to merge AI ethics, digital identity, and financial inclusion. By leveraging biometric verification and blockchain transparency, it offers a potential solution to some of the defining challenges of our technological age.
While still in its early stages, the project has already achieved significant traction—with millions verified and major funding secured. As AI continues to reshape labor markets and digital interactions, initiatives like Worldcoin may play a crucial role in ensuring that progress benefits everyone, not just a select few.
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