Glossary

A decentralized identity verification system provided by Tools for Humanity (TFH). A digital ID limited to one per person that proves you are a "real human" while protecting privacy. The highest level of World ID, issued through Orb verification, makes it technically impossible to create multiple accounts.

The project name rebranded from "Worldcoin" in October 2024. Refers to the entire ecosystem including World ID, World App, and World Chain.

The official smartphone app for managing World ID. Available for free download on iOS/Android. Required for Orb verification, and used after verification to log in to various services with World ID. Also enables WLD and USDC management and Mini Apps usage.

A blockchain network developed by Tools for Humanity. Built as an Ethereum L2, World ID verified users can transact without gas fees. Serves as the foundation for Mini Apps and token transfers.

A dedicated hardware device for issuing World ID. Near-spherical in shape, it uses high-precision cameras to scan human irises (eye patterns). Scanned iris images are converted to IrisCodes, and the original images are immediately deleted.

A verification method that captures multiple biometric factors (iris, facial depth, thermography) using an Orb device to issue World ID. By combining these biometric factors, this prevents the same person from obtaining multiple IDs. Provides the highest level of proof of personhood in the World ID system.

A World ID verification method using the NFC chip in government-issued IDs (My Number Card/passport). Can be done at home with just a smartphone, enabling selective disclosure of age or nationality verification through zero-knowledge proofs. Combined with Orb verification, it unlocks access to more services.

A simplified World ID verification method completed using only a smartphone. While it doesn't provide as strong a one-ID-per-person guarantee as Orb verification, it offers convenient authentication. Available for select services only.

Partner companies that operate Orb verification locations worldwide. In Japan, companies like Hakuhodo, MEDIROM, and BBBandCompany serve as Operators. They are responsible for Orb management, maintenance, and operating verification locations.

The cryptocurrency (token) used in the World ecosystem. Regularly distributed as Grants to users who have completed Orb verification. Can be used for payments within World App and DeFi services.

WLD tokens regularly distributed to World ID verified users. Orb-verified users receive more Grants. Must be claimed through the "Worldcoin" Mini App within World App.

A US dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle. Available as a major currency alongside WLD within World App. Its stable price makes it suitable for payments and transfers.

Applications that run within World App. Over 580 apps are available, including DeFi, games, payments, and gift card purchases. They provide services utilizing World ID's proof of personhood.

A feature to log in to external services using World ID. Similar to "Sign in with Google," you can access services while proving you are human with World ID. Protects privacy while eliminating bots and multiple accounts.

The company that develops and operates World ID, Orb, World App, and more. Founded in 2019. Co-founded by Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) and Alex Blania. Responsible for technology development and day-to-day operations.

The nonprofit foundation responsible for governance of the entire World project. Oversees protocol management, WLD token distribution, and ecosystem development. Established in the Cayman Islands.

A unique code generated from iris images scanned by the Orb. Not the iris image itself, but a mathematically transformed value. It is technically impossible to reconstruct the original iris image from the IrisCode, enabling duplicate checking while protecting privacy.

A next-generation cryptographic system supporting World ID security. Encrypts and distributes iris data across multiple independent institutions (UC Berkeley, FAU, KAIST, etc.), ensuring no single entity can access the data alone. Also features quantum computer resistance.

A data management method introduced in March 2024. A system that stores information used to create iris codes on the user's device rather than the Orb. Allows users to control their own data flow.

A cryptographic technology that can prove possession of certain information without revealing the information itself. In World ID, it is used to prove "I am an Orb-verified human" without sharing personally identifiable information.

A concept and technology for proving that an online user is a real, unique human being. Guarantees that the user is not an AI or bot, and not multiple accounts by the same person. World ID is a leading system implementing Proof of Personhood.

Resistance against "Sybil attacks" where one person creates multiple fake identities (accounts). World ID's Orb verification achieves high Sybil resistance by guaranteeing one ID per person through multiple biometric factors including iris, facial depth, and thermography.