What is Worldcoin (WLD)?

Worldcoin scans your eyes to prove you're human and gives you cryptocurrency for it. Co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the project uses iris-scanning "Orb" devices to create unique digital IDs called World IDs, then distributes WLD tokens to verified users.
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Key Takeaways

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Worldcoin verifies human identity through iris scans using bowling ball-sized "Orb" devices that create unique digital IDs to combat AI bots and fake accounts online.
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Users get WLD tokens for scanning their eyes. New US users receive 16 WLD tokens (~$17) for completing iris verification, while early adopters get 150 WLD (~$155).
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Sam Altman co-founded the project alongside Alex Blania and Max Novendstern through their company Tools for Humanity, which has raised over $140 million.
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Regulatory pushback is significant. Spain, Portugal, Kenya, and other countries have suspended or investigated Worldcoin over privacy and data protection concerns.
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12 million people verified so far across 100+ countries, though the original goal was 1 billion users by 2023.
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How $WLD Works?
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Worldcoin operates through spherical devices called Orbs that scan your iris and face for about 30 seconds. The scan creates a unique "IrisCode" stored on the blockchain that proves you're human and prevents duplicate registrations. After verification, you receive a World ID and WLD tokens.
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The company claims it deletes biometric images after creating the IrisCode, keeping only the mathematical representation. World IDs can be used to sign into platforms like Minecraft, Reddit, Telegram, and Discord as proof you're not a bot.
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Worldcoin rebranded to just "World" in October 2024 and launched in the US in May 2025 with locations in six major cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Austin, and Nashville.

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$WLD Token
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The WLD token currently trades around $1.06 with a total supply of 10 billion tokens distributed over 15 years. At launch in July 2023, 143 million WLD entered circulation - 43 million went to beta users and the rest to market makers. Ten percent of all tokens are reserved for investors and another 10% for employees.

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Coinbase added WLD to its platform alongside the US launch, giving American users access to trade the token. The project also partnered with Visa to create a debit card that converts WLD to local currency for spending.

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Regulatory Issues

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Multiple governments have suspended or investigated Worldcoin over biometric data collection concerns. Kenya stopped operations citing security and privacy issues. Spain and Portugal ordered temporary suspensions under EU privacy laws. Hong Kong raided Worldcoin offices over data protection violations.

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Critics argue the project uses deceptive marketing, collects more personal data than acknowledged, and fails to obtain meaningful consent. The iris scanning requirement raises questions about data security and potential surveillance applications.

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Use Cases and Goals

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Worldcoin aims to solve the "proof of personhood" problem as AI becomes harder to distinguish from humans online. The project envisions supporting universal basic income distribution and ensuring humans remain central to economic systems as AI advances.

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Current integrations include identity verification for dating apps through Match Group and authentication for various platforms. However, the primary use case remains speculation, with WLD trading on exchanges rather than being used for practical applications.

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Bottom Line

Worldcoin is a bet on biometric identity verification becoming necessary for the internet. If AI makes human verification essential, iris scanning could become common. If privacy concerns win out, the project faces an uncertain future.

The connection to Sam Altman and OpenAI creates obvious conflicts - the same person developing AI systems that could replace humans is also building systems to verify human identity. Whether users trust this setup determines Worldcoin's long-term success.

Success depends on widespread adoption overcoming privacy concerns, regulatory approval in major markets, and practical applications beyond token speculation.
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Ready to explore Worldcoin? Check the live WLD price on Backpack Exchange and start trading WLD to participate in one of crypto’s most debated innovations.

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