Worldcoin Launching Layer-2 Ethereum Blockchain to Prioritize Humans Over AI
Worldcoin, the crypto startup led by OpenAI founder Sam Altman, is making a major move in the blockchain world. Their newly announced layer-2 Ethereum blockchain, set to launch this summer, will use Optimism’s OP stack blockchain-building framework to provide users with faster speeds and lower fees. However, what sets this blockchain apart is its focus on prioritizing verified humans over AI bots and trading algorithms.
Unlike other networks, Worldcoin’s chain will grant special treatment to users who authenticate themselves through the use of their retina-scanning “orb” device, receiving what is being called a “World ID” digital passport. This aligns with the project’s mission to create an ecosystem for “verified humans” and filter out bots in the age of AI.
The Move to an Independent Chain
Until now, Worldcoin’s World ID protocol has existed as a decentralized application, utilizing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. However, this move to an independent chain will give the project more control and flexibility, while potentially reducing costs for users.
“Verified humans will enjoy priority blockspace over bots and some free gas,” the project’s development team, Tools for Humanity, states. “For developers, it will be a way to reach millions of users with apps focused on real-world utility.”
Using the OP Stack Framework
Worldcoin’s new blockchain will be built using the popular OP Stack framework, which has been used by companies like Coinbase to create their own networks. This layer-2 “rollup” technology allows Worldcoin to bundle transactions and send them to Ethereum for permanent processing, resulting in lower fees for users.
This approach is in response to the increasing amount of bot activity on other networks, which drives up fees for human users and causes network congestion. With World Chain, verified humans will have priority block space, allowing their transactions to be processed faster.
Focusing on Proof of Personhood
What sets Worldcoin’s blockchain apart is its emphasis on “proof of personhood,” solidifying its goal of creating a safe and secure environment for users in the era of AI. Their unique “orb” device, which scans retinas to verify human users, has been taken on the road to various events and has already onboarded over 10 million users in 167 countries.
The World App and the Future of Worldcoin
The Worldcoin experience currently exists within the World App, a crypto wallet that integrates with popular protocols and offers special features for orb-scanned users. The app currently connects to the OP Chain, where Worldcoin is the second-largest protocol in terms of transaction volume and its WLD token has the largest market cap behind ETH and the OP coin.
With the move to their own network, Worldcoin hopes to continue onboarding millions of users and offering faster and cheaper transactions. Additionally, their new network will allow other wallet apps to integrate with World ID, further solidifying their goal of providing a secure environment for humans in the age of AI.
Facing Challenges and Moving Forward
Worldcoin has faced criticism since its launch in 2021, with some expressing concerns over privacy and data collection. However, the project has addressed these concerns through updates and new encryption technology, leading to over 70 million transactions to date.
Even Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, who previously critiqued Worldcoin, recently praised the project for their efforts in taking privacy concerns seriously and designing a data-minimal system.
As they continue to grow and evolve, Worldcoin remains committed to their mission of creating a secure and accessible ecosystem for verified humans in the age of AI.
Edited by Bradley Keoun.