In a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the ability to reliably distinguish between humans and AI agents online will become critically important. While AI-driven interactions may be preferred in many contexts, certain areas—such as advertising, government services, and social platforms—require verified human participation.
Worldcoin, now operating under the name World, is a blockchain-based protocol designed to provide privacy-preserving, global proof-of-personhood verification using biometric technology. At the heart of this system is the World Orb, a device that uses iris scanning to confirm an individual’s unique human identity. Once verified, users receive a World ID on the Worldchain and gain access to a growing ecosystem of applications.
We believe World is positioned to become essential infrastructure in an AI-saturated digital landscape. Here’s why.
Proof-of-Personhood: The Need for a Global Solution
As AI capabilities grow, so does the potential for misuse through fake accounts, automated fraud, and large-scale disinformation. Proof-of-personhood isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a societal one. Systems that can irrefutably prove someone is human—and that they are only registered once—are necessary for:
- Fair distribution of resources like universal basic income (UBI)
- Transparent and fraud-resistant digital advertising
- Bot-free social and dating platforms
- Identity verification for government and financial services
Traditional identity systems are limited by national borders and central authority. A decentralized, blockchain-based approach can work across jurisdictions, resist censorship, and empower users to control their own identity.
How Worldcoin’s Technology Works
World’s approach revolves around three core components:
- The Orb: A biometric imaging device that captures iris patterns. These are converted into irreversible numerical codes (hashes) to ensure privacy.
- World ID: A digital identity credential that serves as proof of unique personhood without revealing personal data.
- Worldchain: A blockchain optimized for human users, where verified individuals receive gas subsidies funded by non-verified agents (e.g., bots).
This system allows developers and companies to integrate proof-of-humanity into their applications while preserving privacy and scalability.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
World ID is already being used across several high-value industries:
Gaming
Razer is integrating World ID into its Razer ID system to distinguish real players from bots, beginning with the game Tokyo Beast in Q2 2025.
Dating
Match Group, a global leader in online dating, now supports World ID verification to reduce fake profiles and improve user trust.
Advertising
Hakuhodo, Japan’s second-largest marketing agency, is building a fraud-resistant ad network using World ID to eliminate bot-driven ad fraud.
Social & Content
World App includes a “World Chat” feature that enables verified humans to connect safely. Partnerships with major social platforms are also in development.
Mini App Ecosystem
More than 300 mini-apps already operate within World App, including:
- Kalshi: A prediction market where verified users can bet on real-world events.
- Aqua: A tool that helps content creators monetize engagement from real humans—not bots.
- Worldle: A competitive word game where players can compete and earn rewards.
These applications illustrate how proof-of-personhood can improve fairness, trust, and economic inclusion.
Growth Strategy and User Adoption
Since its launch less than two years ago, World has verified over 12 million users. Its growth strategy includes:
- Global Orb Rollout: Plans to deploy thousands of Orbs in high-traffic locations, including 7,500 units across the U.S. by the end of 2025.
- Self-Service and Portable Orbs: New Orb models are under development to simplify verification and reduce operational costs.
- Incentive Programs: Free token distributions encourage early adoption, similar to growth tactics used by companies like PayPal.
The recent U.S. launch—starting in six major cities—marks a significant milestone in World’s expansion.
👉 Explore real-time verification tools
Regulatory and Government Relations
World has faced regulatory scrutiny in several regions, but recent months have seen a shift in perception. Governments in Southeast Asia—including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines—are now collaborating with World to integrate Orb verification into public services.
In Malaysia, World partnered with MyEG, a government service provider, to offer Orb verification alongside official services like driver’s license renewals. This model demonstrates how decentralized identity can complement—rather than conflict with—public infrastructure.
World has also built a dedicated legal and policy team to ensure compliance with international data privacy standards.
Commercial Potential and Monetization
World is beginning to outline its revenue model, which includes:
- Transaction fees on Worldchain
- World ID service fees paid by applications using its verification system
If World achieves its goal of verifying 5 billion people (approximately 60% of the global population), and each verified user generates just $5 per year in revenue, the protocol could generate $25 billion in annual revenue. Given the multi-trillion-dollar markets it serves—advertising, government services, finance—this target is both realistic and conservative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World ID?
World ID is a digital identity credential that uses zero-knowledge proofs to verify that someone is a unique human without exposing their personal data.
How does the Orb protect privacy?
The Orb does not store iris images. It converts biometric data into an irreversible hash, which is used only to prevent duplicate registrations.
Can I use World ID without the token?
Yes. World ID is an identity layer that operates independently of the WLD token. The token is used for governance and network incentives.
Is Worldcoin available worldwide?
World is expanding gradually while adhering to local regulations. It is currently available in dozens of countries, with ongoing launches in new markets.
What happens if I lose my World ID?
The system is designed to be recoverable via biometric re-verification or social recovery mechanisms, depending on how you set up your account.
How does Worldcoin prevent fraud during verification?
The Orb uses multispectral sensors and AI-based anti-spoofing measures to ensure that the person being scanned is real and alive.
Conclusion
World is tackling one of the most fundamental challenges of the AI era: proving personhood at scale. With a strong team, growing partnerships, and a clear vision, it is well-positioned to become a critical piece of the next generation of the internet.
There are hurdles ahead—regulatory, technical, and competitive—but the need for a decentralized, privacy-preserving, and global proof-of-personhood system has never been greater.
As AI continues to evolve, solutions like World ID may become not just useful, but essential. We’re excited to support this mission and look forward to seeing how it develops.