Worldcoin, the innovative digital identity project backed by Sam Altman, has undergone a significant rebranding to simply “World.” During a keynote address presented on October 17, the founders revealed ambitious aspirations to increase their user base to a staggering 1 billion individuals.
The keynote, spearheaded by co-founders Altman and Alex Blania, signaled a pivotal change in the direction of the project, coinciding with the announcement of multiple strategic updates aimed at boosting global participation in their decentralized identity network.
Strategies for Expansion
The rebranding to World marks a strategic evolution from a narrow identity verification focus to a more comprehensive decentralized model.
Presently, World boasts a user base of 15 million, with 7 million verified through its advanced Orb technology. The initiative is determined to exponentially grow this figure, aiming to integrate a billion verified human users into the network.
Blania, who leads Tools for Humanity, emphasized the project’s renewed emphasis on scalability and decentralization, stating:
“Today, we are taking the next big step in our mission — scaling the World Network to reach 1 billion users.”
The updated Orb technology, which utilizes iris scanning for identity verification, is crucial to World’s goal of extending its global reach. To facilitate this, Blania indicated that the production capability of the Orbs would be tripled, with expansion plans into key markets such as Buenos Aires and Mexico City.
The new Orbs will be positioned in public venues like cafes and will also be available for on-demand delivery, reflecting a commitment to enhance accessibility in identity verification. The new generation of Orbs is set to roll out by spring 2025.
Introduction of World Chain and Digital Identity Features
In conjunction with its biometric advancements, World has officially launched World Chain, a Layer 2 blockchain constructed on the Ethereum framework.
This blockchain is engineered to accommodate millions of users, and on its inaugural day, the project recorded over 15 million registrations worldwide, positioning World Chain as one of the most extensive existing human verification blockchains.
The World App, a pivotal element of the initiative, is transitioning to Version 3.0. This upgrade will empower users to manage their World ID credentials and tap into various services, including World Pay, a decentralized payment network, and World Chat, a communication platform.
Furthermore, the app will introduce engaging features like games and an enhanced World Chat system to draw in more users. Altman noted that World aspires to create “the anonymous human layer for the internet,” assisting users in differentiating themselves from AI entities.
He also highlighted the increasing significance of human identity verification amid the growing influence of AI. According to Altman:
“As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, having a trusted human verification layer is critical.”
