Worldcoin protocol
Overview
Worldcoin (rebranded as World Network) is a digital identity and cryptocurrency protocol that uses iris-scanning biometrics to create a unique proof-of-personhood (World ID). It is designed to distribute a universal basic income-like cryptocurrency token (WLD) to verified humans while distinguishing them from bots and AI. The project aims to scale decentralized identity and financial inclusion globally.
Within the DeFi Intel graph, Worldcoin connects to 18 tracked entities, most strongly to Ethereum, World Chain, Tools for Humanity.
Relations
Top connections in the DeFi Intel knowledge graph (confidence-weighted, 7 of 18 total).
| Relation | Connected entity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
deployed_on | Ethereum | 95% |
deployed_on | World Chain | 95% |
developed_by | Tools for Humanity | 95% |
issues | Worldcoin Token | 95% |
founded_by | Sam Altman | 95% |
regulated_by | Spanish Data Protection Agency | 95% |
regulated_by | Hong Kong PCPD | 95% |
In-depth guides on Worldcoin
Frequently asked questions
What is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin is a protocol that issues a unique digital identity (World ID) via iris scans to verify a person is human and distinct, and distributes its native token (WLD) as a form of universal basic income. It combines biometric verification with a permissionless cryptocurrency network.
How does Worldcoin verify uniqueness without storing biometric data?
Worldcoin's iris-scanning device (the Orb) generates a numeric iris code that is hashed and checked against a database of existing codes; the raw biometric image is discarded locally. Only the hash is stored, and World IDs are zero-knowledge proof-based to prevent linking individual scans to on-chain activity.
What is the relationship between World ID and the WLD token?
World ID is the identity layer that proves a person is a unique human; holding a verified World ID entitles the user to claim periodic grants of WLD tokens. The token itself is used for governance and as a medium of exchange within the World Network ecosystem, but the identity layer is separable.
What is Worldcoin connected to?
In the DeFi Intel knowledge graph, Worldcoin is linked to 18 other tracked entities, most strongly to Ethereum, World Chain, Tools for Humanity.
Sources
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