Worldcoin, the brainchild of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has made waves in the Web3 space since its launch. Officially introduced on July 24, Worldcoin aims to foster a network of “real humans,” excluding any form of robotic presence. With the ambition to allocate ‘World IDs’ to individuals around the globe, the San Francisco-based startup envisions a future where personal details like names, phone numbers, and email addresses are no longer required to interact with websites. This vision has resonated with over two million people worldwide, who have eagerly signed up for World IDs within just two weeks of its launch.
The impressive growth of Worldcoin has not gone unnoticed, and as a testament to its popularity, the native cryptocurrency of the Worldcoin project, the WLD token, has gained significant traction. Valued at $2.26 per token, the WLD boasts a total market cap of $266 million. The token operates on the Ethereum blockchain, offering users the opportunity to claim WLD tokens alongside signing up for their World IDs. Such an enticing proposition has driven masses to Worldcoin’s sign-up booths, conveniently set up in various countries.
While Worldcoin’s fame spans across continents, India has emerged as a hotspot for sign-ups. The sight of long queues outside Worldcoin booths in Indian metro stations, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR) and tech hub Bengaluru, has captivated the nation. However, as the project garners attention, concerns about regulatory oversight have arisen. European regulators have taken it upon themselves to scrutinize Worldcoin, with France and Germany leading inquiries. In contrast, India is yet to officially address the matter.
Although Worldcoin’s aim to protect user data may appear noble, it has triggered a significant backlash from nations worldwide. The prerequisite for users to submit their biometrics, particularly eye scans, has sparked security concerns among governments. Policymakers fear potential vulnerabilities and the exposure of citizens to free WLD tokens. In response, Kenya has temporarily suspended Worldcoin, expressing concerns over the authenticity and legality of the project. The European Union regulators have also initiated probes to address the Worldcoin frenzy. However, India has not released any official notice regarding the project thus far.
According to the Worldcoin website, the project’s objective is to ensure universal access to the global economy without any barriers based on nationality or background. It aspires to create the world’s largest network for human identity and finance, granting ownership to every individual. Worldcoin envisions a future where artificial intelligence plays a significant role and seeks to provide a space for all individuals to benefit. The project promotes the use of World ID as a sign-in method, guaranteeing users the ability to authenticate their real persona without compromising their privacy.