Worldcoin
WLD

The Necessary Information about Worldcoin

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WLD powers Worldcoin — a digital identity and finance project aiming to expand global access to the economy.

Discover WLD’s role in global digital identity—share your contact to get a full overview.

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Worldcoin
WLD
$ 0.778658 -0.48%

Market cap

$ 1,766,514,203

Volume (24h)

$ 150,029,129

Total supply

10,000,000,000 WLD

Max. supply

--

Circulating supply

2,270,493,868 WLD

WLD to USD converter

WLD

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What is Worldcoin (WLD), and how does it work?d

Worldcoin (WLD) is a digital identity and cryptocurrency project designed to provide universal access to the global economy. It combines a biometric identity verification system with a native cryptocurrency to enable inclusive participation in digital finance. At its core, Worldcoin aims to give everyone on Earth a verified digital identity, referred to as World ID, and access to free cryptocurrency just for being uniquely human.

Worldcoin works through a network of devices called “Orbs,” which are used to scan an individual’s iris. This biometric scan creates a secure, unique identifier that proves the user is a real person without revealing personal data. Once verified, the individual receives a World ID and, in eligible regions, periodic distributions of WLD tokens. These tokens can be used within the Worldcoin ecosystem or traded on various exchanges.

Who created Worldcoin, and what is its mission?

Worldcoin was co-founded by Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern. The project is supported by Tools for Humanity (TFH), a technology company that builds and operates core components of Worldcoin. Their mission is ambitious but simple: to create a universally accessible financial and identity infrastructure for the internet age.

Worldcoin aims to solve two of the most pressing challenges in the digital world—proof of personhood and global financial access. By combining a privacy-preserving identity system with a native token, Worldcoin wants to enable democratic participation in decentralized systems, particularly for those currently excluded from them.

What makes Worldcoin different from other cryptocurrency projects?

Worldcoin stands out due to its focus on biometric identity verification and its attempt to create a global proof-of-personhood network. While most cryptocurrencies prioritize anonymity, decentralization, or scalability, Worldcoin focuses on uniquely verifying humans in a privacy-preserving way. This approach has major implications for universal basic income (UBI), voting systems, decentralized governance, and bot-resistant social networks.

Worldcoin’s iris-scanning Orb, its World ID framework, and its global onboarding initiative separate it from standard crypto projects. It’s not just about financial inclusion—it’s about verifying the humanity of participants in an increasingly digital and AI-influenced world.

How does the World ID work?

World ID is a digital identity protocol that enables users to prove they’re real humans online without revealing personal information. The system uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to verify an individual’s uniqueness based on their iris scan while keeping the user’s data private.

The verification process is simple: users visit a Worldcoin Operator, have their iris scanned by an Orb, and receive a cryptographic proof of uniqueness. This proof becomes part of their World ID, which they can use across a growing ecosystem of apps and services that want to ensure human authenticity—especially in AI-dominated spaces.

What blockchain powers Worldcoin?

Worldcoin is built on Ethereum and uses Optimism, a Layer 2 scaling solution, for faster and cheaper transactions. The choice to build on Ethereum ensures security, decentralization, and compatibility with a wide ecosystem of applications and wallets. Using Optimism also enables the high throughput and low costs necessary for onboarding millions—potentially billions—of users.

What is the Orb, and how does it work?

The Orb is a custom-built biometric imaging device that scans a person’s iris to verify their unique identity. It’s at the heart of Worldcoin’s proof-of-personhood system. When a user has their iris scanned, the Orb converts the pattern into a secure, encrypted code known as an IrisCode. This code is then compared to the existing database to confirm that the user hasn’t already registered.

Importantly, the Orb does not store biometric images—it only stores the cryptographic representation used for uniqueness checks. This ensures privacy and minimizes data retention risks. Users who complete the verification process receive a World ID and, in eligible countries, periodic distributions of WLD tokens.

Is the Orb safe and private to use?

Yes, privacy and safety are major priorities. The Orb does not retain images of users’ irises, faces, or any other identifiable data. Instead, it generates a hash of the iris scan that cannot be reversed back into an image. This hash is used to verify uniqueness while preserving user anonymity.

Additionally, Worldcoin uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to prove a user’s uniqueness without revealing their identity. All of this is done in compliance with applicable privacy laws in regions where the project operates. For users, this means strong protections while still enabling participation in the global economy.

What is the World App, and how does it fit into the ecosystem?

The World App is the official wallet and identity manager for Worldcoin users. It allows users to:

  • Manage their World ID
  • Receive WLD token distributions (where available)
  • Use crypto features such as sending, receiving, and storing various assets
  • Connect to decentralized apps (dApps) that support World ID

The app is designed to be simple and accessible, especially for first-time crypto users. It plays a vital role in onboarding people into the Worldcoin ecosystem and expanding the network’s reach.

How does Worldcoin scale to billions of users?

Worldcoin leverages Ethereum’s scalability through Optimism, a Layer 2 protocol that enables fast and low-cost transactions. Optimism bundles multiple transactions into one, reducing congestion and fees on the Ethereum mainnet.

Beyond that, the Orb’s design allows local Operators to run verification campaigns in diverse regions, from urban centers to rural communities. This decentralized model allows for organic, grassroots growth at scale.

Additionally, the infrastructure is designed to operate in low-connectivity environments, ensuring users in developing countries can still be verified and onboarded.

How does Worldcoin ensure the system isn’t gamed or exploited?

Worldcoin has implemented strict protocols to prevent Sybil attacks (where one entity pretends to be multiple people). The Orb’s biometric system ensures that each person can only register once. Because the IrisCode is unique and cannot be duplicated, it makes the system resistant to fraud and bot manipulation.

In addition, Operators are vetted, and Worldcoin continuously audits the network for any irregularities or potential abuse. The team also works closely with regulators and privacy experts to ensure ethical implementation, especially in areas where identity systems may carry added risks.

What role does Optimism play in the Worldcoin ecosystem?

Optimism allows Worldcoin to process transactions at scale without sacrificing the security of Ethereum. It’s essential for maintaining low fees and quick interactions, particularly for activities like identity verifications, token distributions, and smart contract usage.

Since Worldcoin expects to serve hundreds of millions of users, Layer 2 scaling solutions are not just beneficial—they’re necessary. Optimism also aligns with Worldcoin’s values of open infrastructure and decentralized access, making it a natural fit for the project.

What is the WLD token, and what purpose does it serve in the Worldcoin ecosystem?

The WLD token is the native digital asset of the Worldcoin ecosystem. It’s designed to be both a utility and governance token, giving users a stake in the protocol while incentivizing participation. Individuals who verify their World ID using the Orb may receive periodic WLD distributions in eligible countries.

Within the ecosystem, WLD can be used for:

  • Governance participation (via Worldcoin’s DAO)
  • Gas payments on supported Layer 2 networks
  • Interactions with dApps that integrate World ID
  • Incentives for Orb Operators and ecosystem partners

The idea behind distributing WLD to verified humans is to promote broad, equitable access to digital financial systems, especially among populations underserved by traditional banking.

How are WLD tokens distributed?

WLD tokens are distributed through several channels:

  • Verified users (where legally permissible) receive free allocations of WLD as a form of universal access.
  • Orb Operators earn WLD for enrolling users, helping the project grow globally.
  • Developers and ecosystem contributors can earn WLD through grants and bounties.
  • The treasury and DAO hold reserves that can be used for protocol development, rewards, and future initiatives.

Importantly, token allocations and releases follow a controlled schedule to avoid inflationary shocks. The total supply of WLD is capped, and circulating supply increases gradually.

Can users earn WLD without using the Orb?

Yes, though participation is more limited. Developers and contributors to the Worldcoin ecosystem may earn WLD through bounties, grants, or protocol rewards. However, the core mechanism for distribution remains the Orb-based verification process.

In regions where Orb verification is not available or allowed, users can still interact with the ecosystem but may not receive token distributions. This approach reflects Worldcoin’s cautious compliance posture as it expands globally.

Where can WLD be traded?

WLD is listed on several major centralized and decentralized exchanges, including Binance, OKX, KuCoin, and Uniswap. It is paired with popular tokens such as USDT, ETH, and BTC.

As with any crypto asset, users should conduct their own research and use secure wallets and platforms when buying or trading WLD. Always verify the contract address and use trusted sources to avoid scams or phishing attempts.

What wallets support WLD?

WLD is an ERC-20 token, so it’s compatible with any Ethereum-based wallet. This includes:

  • MetaMask
  • Trust Wallet
  • Coinbase Wallet
  • World App (official)
  • Ledger and Trezor (hardware wallets)

For optimal use within the Worldcoin ecosystem, the official World App is recommended, as it seamlessly integrates with World ID and supports Layer 2 interactions.

Is WLD inflationary or deflationary?

WLD has a capped total supply, making it a non-inflationary token over the long term. While circulating supply may increase as more users join and tokens are distributed, the cap prevents runaway inflation.

The rate at which WLD is released is governed by protocol rules and community governance. Over time, if community proposals introduce burn mechanisms or adjust distribution schedules, this could affect the token’s supply dynamics.

How does WLD differ from other crypto tokens?

WLD is unique in that it is designed for proof of personhood—a concept that aims to ensure that every token allocation goes to a real, unique human being. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are mined or staked, WLD is primarily distributed through biometric verification.

It also has a strong emphasis on public goods and identity, rather than just transactional value or smart contract execution. This positions it differently from most Layer 1 or DeFi tokens.

How is Worldcoin being adopted globally?

Worldcoin’s adoption has gained notable momentum since its launch, driven largely by the global rollout of its identity verification devices—Orbs—and its promise to deliver a universal, verifiable proof of personhood. As of early 2025, Orbs are operating in over 40 countries, spanning Latin America, Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia.

In eligible regions, users can visit an Orb station, complete the iris scan, and receive their unique World ID. This ID unlocks access to the ecosystem and, in some jurisdictions, allows users to claim WLD tokens.

Worldcoin has focused on emerging markets where digital identity and financial access are often lacking. The project’s unique biometric approach has led to millions of sign-ups, though the growth pace varies depending on local regulations and infrastructure.

What are some real-world use cases of World ID and WLD?

Worldcoin’s central innovation is World ID—a digital identity that verifies personhood without collecting or storing personal data. This identity layer opens up a wide array of use cases:

  • Anti-Sybil Protection: Web3 and social apps can use World ID to ensure that users are real individuals, reducing bot attacks and fake accounts.
  • Universal Basic Income (UBI) models: By confirming unique human identities, World ID could be the foundation for distributing financial support fairly.
  • Fair airdrops and token distributions: Projects can ensure that giveaways and community incentives aren’t manipulated by whales or multi-wallet setups.
  • Voting & governance participation: Decentralized governance structures can adopt World ID to ensure fair voting by real participants.
  • Access to financial services: In the future, users could access DeFi tools with identity-based risk models or verification without traditional KYC.

Some apps have already begun experimenting with World ID integrations, particularly in decentralized social platforms, DAOs, and Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystems.

Which platforms and tools are building with Worldcoin?

A growing number of builders are incorporating Worldcoin’s World ID into their apps. Some early adopters include:

  • Proof of Humanity-based apps, which use World ID to gate access to communities or DAOs.
  • DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) projects seeking fair resource distribution and user validation.
  • ZK (Zero Knowledge) identity platforms, using World ID to maintain anonymity while validating personhood.
  • Decentralized governance tools, which want to enforce one-person-one-vote systems without centralized ID checks.

Worldcoin has also launched Worldcoin Grants, funding developers to explore integrations in Web3 identity, DeFi, and digital public goods.

How does World App contribute to adoption?

The World App serves as the gateway to the Worldcoin ecosystem. Designed for accessibility, it combines several core features in a simple mobile interface:

  • Stores and manages a user’s World ID
  • Facilitates WLD claims (where available)
  • Supports transactions and transfers on Ethereum Layer 2
  • Integrates with dApps and wallets

The app is intentionally lightweight to run on low-spec devices and is localized in multiple languages. This approach supports Worldcoin’s mission to onboard the next billion users into crypto and digital identity frameworks.

Is Worldcoin working with governments or NGOs?

Yes, Worldcoin has initiated discussions and pilot programs with government bodies and NGOs in areas like:

  • Digital identity verification
  • Humanitarian aid distribution
  • Disaster relief targeting and fraud prevention
  • Basic income experiments

In developing regions, where government-issued identity is either lacking or inconsistent, Worldcoin’s system could serve as an open-source infrastructure layer for broader inclusion.

While not all collaborations are public, the team has expressed interest in supporting humanitarian applications where biometric verification can prevent fraud and enable precise, need-based distribution.

What challenges does Worldcoin face in adoption?

Despite its potential, Worldcoin faces several adoption hurdles:

  • Privacy concerns: Biometric data collection—even if not stored—has drawn criticism from privacy advocates.
  • Regulatory scrutiny: In some countries, operations have been paused or delayed due to data protection laws or lack of clear crypto frameworks.
  • Orb distribution: Scaling Orb hardware globally is logistically complex and expensive.
  • User education: Many new users require onboarding support to understand the tech and its implications.

Worldcoin continues to address these challenges through public transparency, open-source audits, and localized outreach.

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