At the heart of the Worldcoin project lies a simple yet powerful mission: to create a global identity and financial network that belongs to everyone.
This vision is brought to life through World ID, a revolutionary privacy-focused identity system. With World ID, users can prove their humanity online (known as "Proof of Personhood") while safeguarding their privacy using cutting-edge zero-knowledge proofs.
To get started with the Worldcoin experience, individuals need to download the World App, the very first wallet app that supports the creation of a World ID. Once installed, users visit a physical imaging device called the Orb to have their World ID Orb-verified. These Orbs are typically run by local businesses known as Orb Operators. Using advanced multispectral sensors, the Orb confirms both the person's humanity and uniqueness. And don't worry, all images are promptly deleted from the device by default (unless explicit consent is given for Data Custody).
As a reward for having their World IDs verified, holders are eligible to receive regular grants of free WLD tokens. This initiative aims to make WLD one of the most widely accessible digital currencies globally (please note: WLD tokens are not available in the US; refer to the Worldcoin Tokenomics section of the project's whitepaper for details).
The WLD token isn't just any digital currency; it's designed to be a utility token with governance features, giving users a voice in shaping the protocol's future. Alongside traditional "one-token-one-vote" governance, World ID introduces the concept of "one-person-one-vote," opening doors to innovative governance models. After launch, the Worldcoin Foundation plans to collaborate with the community to determine how World ID and WLD tokens will interact in the governance structure (refer to the project's whitepaper for detailed governance and decentralization information).
While the community will define the token's utility, there are exciting possibilities beyond governance. For instance, users might use WLD tokens to perform specific actions in the World App or other wallet apps, make payments, or show support for various initiatives or causes.
WLD operates as an ERC-20 token on
Ethereum, and users will receive their grants on the Optimism Mainnet. Consequently, most WLD transactions are expected to occur on the Optimism network.
