What happened?
World ID has officially landed in Taiwan, providing a privacy-first 'human proof' solution. This system aims to resolve fraud and fake account issues in the AI era. By simply performing an iris scan through the Orb device and combining it with zero-knowledge proof technology, users can prove the authenticity of their online identity without disclosing personal sensitive information.
The World project not only provides digital identity verification but also actively expands its application scenarios. In addition to managing personal IDs and digital assets through the World App, it will collaborate with Visa to launch the World Card to promote crypto payments, and pilot social verification with Tinder to combat fraud and promote authentic interactions.
The World project has accumulated over 12 million verified users worldwide. To achieve greater widespread adoption, Tools for Humanity plans to launch a smaller and more cost-effective Orb Mini in 2026. This move aims to increase the global number of Orb devices by 10 or even 100 times, allowing more people to conveniently access the World Network.
World ID is officially launched!
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and its deep integration into daily life, users are facing unprecedented challenges in cybersecurity while enjoying the conveniences brought by digitization.
In response to the urgent public demand for 'human verification,' Tools for Humanity, co-founded by Sam Altman and Alex Blania, officially announced today (28th) the launch of its 'human-centered' identity infrastructure, 'World,' in Taiwan.
Taiwanese citizens can now go to Taipei to obtain their unique and anonymous digital human identity World ID through a privacy-first verification process.
Currently, there are three verifiable locations in Taiwan: Taipei Arena, Yuanshan CIT, and N24 Taipei Ark.
What is World?
In the context of frequent fraud in the AI era and increasingly prominent digital identity issues, World hopes to provide a solution that allows every person globally to have a reliable digital identity, while also promoting a more inclusive and secure digital economy.
In simple terms, World aims to provide every human globally with a unique, verifiable, and privacy-protected digital identity through unique biometric technology and blockchain technology, addressing the increasingly important issue in the AI era: how to reliably prove that an online interaction partner is a real human, not an AI robot or a fraudulent impersonator.
The World project consists of three main components:
World ID:
A privacy-first human proof that allows users to prove they are real humans without sharing personal details, helping to prevent online fraud and fake accounts, and ensuring the authenticity of online interactions.
Orb:
A silver circular device that can safely scan irises to confirm that the user is a real person, ensuring that each World ID belongs to a unique and real individual. This process emphasizes privacy protection, with the original iris image being automatically deleted after generating the unique 'IrisCode,' and employing zero-knowledge proof technology to further ensure user data security.
World App:
A self-custodial wallet application that allows users to manage their own World ID, securely log into websites and applications, and use WLD tokens (Worldcoin Token). The design purpose of the World App is to ensure that users' data privacy is protected and completely controlled by the users themselves.
The WLD token (Worldcoin Token) is the native cryptocurrency of the World project and serves as the core digital asset of the entire World ecosystem, carrying multiple functions and visions.
The World project is actively expanding its application scope. In the financial sector, World plans to collaborate with Visa to launch the World Card, allowing users to directly link their World App wallet to spend digital assets at Visa points worldwide. Additionally, the World Network will collaborate with Match Group (the parent company of Tinder) to pilot identity verification for Tinder users in Japan, combatting fraud on dating platforms and promoting connections between 'real humans,' with hopes of expanding to other social platforms in the future.
How to complete World ID certification in Taiwan?
The World ID certification is key to obtaining a user's digital identity and can be divided into five steps:
Step one: Download and set up the World App.
First, download and install the World App from the mobile application store (App Store/Google Play Store). This app serves as the entry point for users to manage their World ID and digital assets. After downloading, open the app and follow the instructions to complete the setup, including creating a personal wallet and securely storing your recovery phrase (or password).
Step two: Find the nearest World Space (Orb verification point).
The core verification process of World ID requires an iris scan via the 'Orb device.' By opening the World App or directly visiting the official World website, users can check the locations of World Space (Orb verification centers) currently available in Taiwan. After confirming the location, they can schedule a visit according to their personal time arrangements.
Step three: Go to World Space and prepare the World App.
Upon arriving at the selected World Space, staff will guide you through the process.
Before scanning, it's best to ensure that your personal mobile phone is fully charged and that the World App is open and logged in. Staff may ask to see specific screens or QR Codes within the World App to assist in initiating the verification process.
If users want to increase their holdings of Worldcoin (WLD), they can verify through a friend's invitation code. By entering a friend's redemption code and completing the Orb verification of their World ID, both parties will receive corresponding invitation rewards.
Step four: Scan your iris through the Orb to complete human verification.
Under the guidance of the staff, you will next approach the Orb device. Users need to align their eyes with the window of the Orb device and remain still for a few seconds to complete the iris scan.
This process is very quick, taking only a few seconds to complete the scan and generate a unique 'IrisCode.' World emphasizes that this IrisCode is encrypted, and the original iris image is automatically deleted after generation, ensuring the user's personal privacy.
Step five: Confirm that World ID verification is complete in the World App.
After successfully completing the iris scan, a notification will be received on the World App, confirming that the user's personal World ID has been successfully verified and that they now have a unique and privacy-protected digital human identity.
From now on, users can use this World ID in various online services and applications to prove they are unique real humans without disclosing other personal sensitive information. At the same time, they can start managing their personal World ID in the World App and receive WLD token rewards.
Is iris scanning really safe? How to address privacy issues?
The technology for scanning irises is quite secure 'physically,' but there are still significant privacy concerns from society and regulatory agencies regarding how World handles data post-scan.
Worldcoin states that its design philosophy is 'privacy-first,' and has taken the following measures to protect user data:
Data minimization: After the iris scan at the Orb, the original iris image is automatically deleted by default and not stored. The device will only generate a unique 'IrisCode,' which is encrypted data that converts the iris texture into a series of numbers to prove 'human uniqueness' rather than for personal identification.
No collection of personal identification information: When obtaining a World ID, it does not require users to provide traditional personal identification information such as name, phone number, or email address.
Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs): The World ID employs zero-knowledge proof technology. This technology allows users to prove the validity of their World ID without disclosing actual identification information. For example, it can prove that you are a real person over 18 years old without revealing your name, birthday, or any other personal details.
Data stored on user devices: All signed user data is stored on the user's own device (in the World App), rather than being stored in a central database.
Decentralized vision: The long-term goal of Worldcoin is to establish a decentralized identity system that gives users complete control over their data.
Regarding the privacy concerns that many people feel, Adrian Ludwig, Chief Security Officer of Tools for Humanity, believes that 'if a piece of data is not needed, it should not be generated, nor stored, nor provided.' Therefore, World will not request unnecessary information from the start; it will not ask for the user's phone number, email address, or even their name.
When users approach the Orb, it will take photos, analyze these photos, and then delete them immediately. Therefore, from the very beginning, the team emphasized that no personal information would be stored.
Secondly, in cases where minimal information transmission is necessary, the team will use existing secure technologies, such as 'zero-knowledge proofs.' This technology can answer a question while ensuring that no additional information is provided.
For example, when buying alcohol, due to age restrictions in regulations, one must present an ID to prove they meet the legal drinking age. However, to prove one's 'age,' one must show 'the entire ID,' facing the risk of disclosing their name, address, and many other personal details, which seems disproportionate.
Through 'zero-knowledge proof' technology, this issue can be effectively addressed.
Additionally, Adrian also emphasized that all data is stored on the user's device, and this data is signed so that the team knows it is complete and does not need to retain copies.
What's next for World?
Since its establishment in 2019, World has grown to have over 12,498,541 verified individuals online, showing significant user growth across Asia.
Adrian indicated that a smaller and more cost-effective Orb Mini is expected to be launched in 2026, making verification easier for everyone globally and achieving the goal of 'scalability.'
Adrian pointed out that there are currently about 1,000 Orbs globally, hoping to reach tens of thousands by the end of this year. With the production of Orb Mini next year, it is expected that the number of Orb devices worldwide could increase by 10 or even 100 times.
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