Worldcoin introduced its World ID protocol and software development kit today. Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT developer OpenAI, co-created Worldcoin and Tools For Humanity. Worldcoin says AI and generative software have complicated online identification.
The recently announced World ID, described as Worldcoin’s “underlying identity protocol” and powered by zero-knowledge cryptography, is a mobile utility that allows users to authenticate their identity without revealing their identify. Worldcoin’s Orb, a contentious iris-scanning device, is the major verification mechanism. Phone number verification is another option, but less accurate.
In an interview with The Block, Tools For Humanity Head of Product, Engineering, and Design Tiago Sada said, “This is a decentralized and privacy-first system.” “Just like people can have self-custodial wallets, with this, people can have self-custodial Identities, where any information is on-device, and you utilize it through zero-knowledge-proofs to make attestations about yourself.”
Any mobile wallet can issue a World ID. The World App is in beta. Later this year, orb verification will expand to Argentina, Chile, India, Kenya, Portugal, and Spain. Most countries offer mobile verification. The Orb divides. In June 2021, Edward Snowden advised, “Don’t catalogue eyeballs.” Worldcoin later used zero-knowledge-proof technology to remove ties between the wallet and biometric registration. Sada believes project problems persist.
“There are many misconceptions,” he remarked. “Many don’t know that the Orb destroys biometric data.” Unless you agree to store your biometric data, which Worldcoin does not incentivise but improves the protocol.
Sada added, “Only the iris code leaves the device.” Global ID is, surprisingly, the most private identity. It’s also inclusive and scalable.” His point is that KYC checks need ID scans, which many people don’t have. Given hardware production limits, Sada claimed Worldcoin might forsake the Orb if a better technique for ensuring uniqueness existed. Tools for Humanity has a team looking for a solution.
Orb rollout continues for now. Worldcoin’s operator program rewards companies for scanning customers to distribute Orbs. Today’s release states 1.3 million sign-ups.
Worldcoin called sign-on the simplest World ID use case. This system could be used for social network bot protection and moderation, DAO voting, uncollateralized loans, loyalty programs and discounts, marketplace ratings, and welfare distribution. Its first demo will verify Discord, a crypto project-friendly social network.
“It probably takes a lot more people to imagine what you could do with this. Sada remarked, “Uber was unthinkable when the iPhone was announced.” “It’s basic. Will exist. Worldcoin ensures its decentralization and anonymity.
Developers can sign up for a waitlist to gain early access to a beta version of the SDK, which includes a web widget, developer site, development simulator, examples, and guidelines, and is open to everyone.
Worldcoin is worth $3 billion after Khosla Ventures and a16z invested $100 million in March 2022. In February, The Block announced a new investment round at the same valuation. The token launch is scheduled for the first half of the year.
