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World Coin Explained

All about WorldCoin

By Antony Kamaru GatituPublished 2 years ago 3 min read

WorldCoin, known as WorldCoin, emerges as a groundbreaking cryptocurrency venture that has garnered global attention due to its audacious mission of establishing a worldwide financial and identity network based on the concept of proof of personhood. This initiative, endorsed by notable figures in the tech industry, officially launched on July 24, 2023, after an extensive period of development and testing. Impressively, the project has already enlisted over 2 million users during its beta phase.

WorldCoin's primary objective revolves around the universal provision of a basic income to every individual on the planet. This Universal Basic Income (UBI) concept entails providing regular financial assistance to all individuals, regardless of their income or employment status, to cover their fundamental needs. This proposition gains significance in the face of increasing concerns about job displacement by artificial intelligence (AI), which may result in poverty, inequality, and social upheaval.

Central to WorldCoin's strategy is an innovative method for verifying users' identities and humanity. This is achieved by scanning their irises using a device referred to as an "orb." The orb captures high-resolution iris images and other biometric data, utilizing cryptographic techniques such as zero-knowledge proofs to generate unique digital identities for users without exposing personal details. Subsequently, users receive a World ID, granting them access to the WorldCoin Network and enabling them to claim their share of WorldCoin tokens (WLD).

Distinguishing itself from conventional cryptocurrencies, WorldCoin diverges in several key ways. It sidesteps the reliance on a public blockchain for recording transactions and balances, instead adopting a distributed hash table (DHT) for decentralized data storage. Unlike other cryptocurrencies that rely on mining or staking, WorldCoin employs a consensus mechanism called "proof of personhood" (PoP), requiring users to periodically validate their uniqueness and eligibility through iris scans using the orb. Furthermore, its supply isn't fixed, but dynamically adjusts based on the number of verified users and token demand.

While WorldCoin boasts privacy preservation and security, concerns about the collection, storage, and potential misuse of biometric data loom large. WorldCoin maintains that it doesn't retain or transmit biometric data from the orb to centralized servers, relying solely on zero-knowledge proofs to generate World IDs. However, skepticism exists about the effectiveness and robustness of this approach in thwarting potential breaches or leaks.

Critics have also voiced concerns about potential deceptive practices in WorldCoin's marketing, its potential exploitation of vulnerable populations, and potential violations of informed consent principles. Reports suggest that representatives have incentivized eye scans with cash rewards or gadgets without fully explaining the implications.

WorldCoin's ambitious vision as a force for positive change is undeniable, yet the project is not devoid of significant challenges. It grapples with technical, legal, regulatory, and ethical hurdles while competing with existing cryptocurrencies and digital ID systems. Prospective participants are advised to exercise caution, research thoroughly, and consider the potential benefits and risks of engaging with WorldCoin's network.

As it navigates its early stages of development and adoption, WorldCoin's success hinges on its founders' credibility, team members' expertise, investors' support, and operational integrity. The project aspires to facilitate a universal basic income, leveraging AI to tackle societal challenges like unemployment and inequality, while also fostering individuals' contributions to the common good.

Ultimately, WorldCoin strives to revolutionize basic income distribution by providing WLD tokens to verified individuals worldwide, regardless of their circumstances. Its vision encompasses partnerships, research, and development to fund the UBI initiative, further fueled by profits from its air lab – dedicated to innovative air technologies. Collaborations with like-minded organizations are integral to the project's success in supporting and promoting UBI

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About the Creator

Antony Kamaru Gatitu

I am a practising lawyer by training, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, I have a passion for the promotion and protection of human rights and a strong belief that everyone should have speedy access to justice.

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