On July 24, 2023, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on Twitter the official launch of the Worldcoin project.
Introducing Worldcoin
Over three years ago, we founded Worldcoin with the ambition to create a new identity and financial network shared by all. Today, we are launching Worldcoin. If successful, we believe Worldcoin can dramatically increase economic opportunity, create a reliable solution to distinguish between humans and online AI while preserving privacy, enable global democratic progress, and ultimately demonstrate a potential path to an AI-funded global basic income (UBI).
Worldcoin consists of a privacy-preserving digital identity (World ID) and, where permitted by law, a digital currency (WLD) that is easily accessible to humans. We hope that in places where the rules are less clear, such as the United States, steps will be taken to allow more people to benefit from both.
Right now, you can download the World App, the first protocol-compatible wallet, and reserve your share. After accessing an Orb (biometric verification device), you will receive a World ID. This allows you to prove that you are a real and unique person online while maintaining complete privacy. As the distribution of Orbs accelerates around the world, you can find the nearest one and book a time at worldcoin.org to get verified through the World App.
Worldcoin is an attempt at global-scale coordination. The journey will be challenging and the outcome uncertain. But finding new ways to broadly share the coming technological boom is the great challenge of our time. We hope you’ll join us.
Alex Blania and Sam Altman
