Worldcoin project

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Awareness in IT

A venture by Sam Altman (CEO OpenAI), which scans eyes of the person and provides a unique ID (a World ID) and WLD Crypto.

Worldcoin claims it is building world’s largest identity and financial public network.

Orb, Orb operators and World App:

Orb: A device used to scan the iris of eyes of the person

It captures images and a unique code is generated.
Images are immediately deleted once code is generated (unless user opts in to data custody)
Individuals are not required to share their name, phone number, email address, or home address.

Orb operators: A Worldcoin volunteers who are using orb to scan eyes and helping in getting World ID using World App.

They receive basic training and a biometric device (orb).
They can rent out orb as well.
In return for signing up more people to the Worldcoin network they receive WLD crypto

World App: First Worldcoin wallet, designed to bring digital identity and global finance to everyone.

Uses a technology known as zero knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to maintain users’ privacy.
Fully compliant with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

WLD Crypto: A cryptocurrency based on the Ethereum blockchain.

Ethereum has a native coin, Ether, which is the second largest crypto by market capitalisation.
However, anyone can create a token which runs on the Ethereum blockchain. WLD is one such cryptocurrency.
Users can also buy or sell WLD without getting scanned or using the app.

Why scan irises?

As per company blog post:

Worldcoin and India:

Worldcoin lists 18 locations, largely in Delhi, Noida, and Bangalore, where Orb operators are scanning people’s eyes.