Sam Altman, the CEO at the helm of OpenAI and the mind behind ChatGPT, is associated with a bold new idea that aims to redefine digital identity and access to a global economy. The project, branded as World Identity and tied to a cryptocurrency called Worldcoin, sets out with the slogan that the global economy belongs to everyone. Its goal is to create an accessible, universal digital identity that anyone can use, independent of location or income, using a blockchain-based framework.
Launched publicly in 2019 and announced in 2021, the Worldcoin initiative introduced a plan to distribute WLD tokens on a worldwide scale. After extensive testing in multiple countries, the official global rollout occurred in the following year. The premise is straightforward: users download an app, register much like on other platforms, and begin to accrue bonuses in the form of a set number of coins at regular intervals, typically about every two weeks. The intrigue is clear—free money? Yet there are questions about how this works and what the catch might be.
The public discourse around the project is balanced by real-world features and constraints. A notable component is a biometric verification device, Orb, described as a spherical unit roughly the size of a basketball. Its job is to scan the iris to verify a person’s identity. In practical terms, this means tokens are tied to verified individuals and cannot be exploited by creating multiple accounts to harvest more rewards. Distributed across about 35 countries, the Orb devices are part of a broader effort to prevent impersonation and token abuse while preserving user anonymity in the decentralized networks that cryptocurrencies rely on.
A digital passport connected to artificial intelligence
In a practical sense, there is a tangible presence of World Identity in certain locations. In Spain, for example, a dedicated space on the upper floor of a shopping center in Alicante has hosted the verification process, which takes only a few minutes. This site is presented as the primary point of contact for anyone seeking information about World Identity in the region. The digital passport, World ID, is designed to confirm that a person is a real individual while maintaining the privacy that underpins decentralized financial systems.
Beyond the verification process, World Identity serves as the gateway to unlocking and using the tokens tied to a user’s verified status. As artificial intelligence technology advances in the coming years, the system is expected to enable access to an expanding set of online services. In fact, World ID, together with the WLD cryptocurrency, has already found traction on platforms like Telegram, Discord, Shopify, Minecraft, and Reddit. This gradual diffusion contributes to a rising token price and broader recognition, with tens of millions of verified users across dozens of countries.
Historical pricing shows fluctuations from launch to present. On launch day, the token traded around a notable initial price, with a lows-to-highs trajectory that reached peaks years after. As of recent data, the token trades at a value that allows a verified user to accumulate a measurable amount of WLD, opening possibilities for balance growth within the ecosystem. The financial dynamics of this asset are closely watched by investors and curious observers alike.
The implementation has sparked debate about privacy, security, and data usage. Critics point to biometric data collection as a potential risk, raising concerns about how information is stored and who can access it. Proponents argue that robust verification helps prevent fraud and fosters a more inclusive digital economy. In response to privacy worries, a newer iteration of the protocol, World Identity 2.0, has been introduced with features designed to increase privacy protections. Notably, data retention is optional from the user’s perspective, adding a layer of control over personal information.