## What is the WLD Token? An In-Depth Analysis of How Worldcoin Works

### Worldcoin (WLD): From ChatGPT Boom to Blockchain Innovation

Sam Altman, after making ChatGPT a tech sensation, has once again captured public attention—this time through the Worldcoin project. As artificial intelligence permeates every corner of daily life, Altman envisions a bold goal: to build a more inclusive global financial system using Worldcoin, allowing everyone to benefit from the AI era regardless of their location or background.

The core mission of Worldcoin (WLD) is to redefine the way identity verification, economic participation, and global capital flows are handled. Simply put, WLD is the native cryptocurrency within the Worldcoin ecosystem, and the entire project aims to provide digital identities and financial network support for users worldwide.

### How Iris Scanning Becomes Your Digital Identity Card

The revolutionary aspect of Worldcoin lies in its innovative identity verification mechanism—World ID. Imagine a digital passport that verifies "you are a real person" by scanning your iris pattern.

Technologically, Worldcoin uses advanced biometric device Orb to capture complex iris texture patterns, which are as unique as fingerprints. After scanning, the system generates an IrisCode and claims to delete the original iris image immediately after creation, thus protecting user privacy.

This design addresses a key issue in the AI era: in a world flooded with AI-generated content, how can you confirm that your interaction partner is truly human? World ID becomes the answer—it's the key to human identity, ensuring each user's authenticity in the digital space.

### The Three Pillars of the Worldcoin Ecosystem

**World ID — Decentralized Digital Identity**

World ID is not a traditional ID card but an anonymous proof of human identity. Users obtain it by visiting an Orb device for iris scanning, without revealing sensitive information like name or address. This digital certificate is stored on the blockchain and can be used for verification in web applications, mobile apps, and decentralized applications. It allows users to prove "I am a unique and real human" while maintaining privacy.

**World App — Gateway to Worldcoin**

World App is a centralized platform that combines wallet, identity storage, and DeFi application access. After registering for World ID, users can download the World App and receive an initial incentive of 25 WLD tokens. The app also offers interaction features with other verified users, strengthening community trust.

**WLD Token — Value Medium within the Ecosystem**

WLD is the native cryptocurrency of Worldcoin, with multiple uses: for transactions within World App, global remittances, online shopping, and content tipping. According to tokenomics, the total supply of WLD is fixed at 10 billion tokens over 15 years, with network governance allowing a maximum annual inflation rate of 1.5%.

At mainnet launch, circulating supply will be 143 million WLD, with 43 million allocated to early adopters verifying their World ID during pre-launch, and the remaining 1 billion for liquidity incentives outside the US market.

### The Driving Forces Behind It

Worldcoin was co-founded by Sam Altman, Alex Blania, and John Cogan. Sam Altman is the co-founder and CEO of OpenAI and former chairman of Y Combinator; Alex Blania is the current CEO of Worldcoin; John Cogan serves as co-founder and CTO.

The project has received investment support from Blockchain Capital, a16z (Andreessen Horowitz Fund), Bain Capital Crypto, and Distributed Global. In Series C funding, led by Blockchain Capital, Worldcoin raised $115 million to fund robot detection, R&D, and global expansion.

Tools for Humanity, as the guiding organization, is pushing Worldcoin toward becoming a self-sustaining open-source protocol, gathering collective wisdom from developers, economists, and tech experts worldwide.

### Quick Start: How to Obtain WLD Tokens

**Method 1: Complete World ID Registration for Airdrop**

Since the beta version launched in late July 2023, over 2.2 million users worldwide have successfully registered for World ID. As of mid-August 2023, World App users have claimed over $23 million worth of WLD airdrops.

Steps:

1. Locate the nearest Worldcoin Orb (currently available in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Uganda, UAE, UK, USA, among 18 countries)

2. Visit an Orb device for iris scanning and complete World ID registration

3. Receive a unique World ID identifier, with biometric data securely linked to the blockchain

4. Download World App and claim 25 WLD as an early adopter incentive

**Method 2: Purchase on Cryptocurrency Exchanges**

Currently, WLD can be traded on several well-known platforms. According to the latest data, WLD is priced at $0.50, with a 24-hour increase of +0.56%, 24-hour trading volume of $1.54M, and a circulating market cap of $1.28 billion.

Before buying, it is recommended to check real-time prices, market cap, trading volume, and perform technical and fundamental analysis.

**Method 3: Become a Worldcoin Operator**

Users can apply to become a Worldcoin operator by setting up Orb devices and helping more people register for World ID to earn WLD rewards. Each time you assist a user with iris scanning and verification, you earn WLD incentives.

**Method 4: Apply for Grants from the Worldcoin Foundation**

The Worldcoin Foundation offers grants to stakeholders contributing to the project’s development. Developers, content creators, documentation writers, and educators are eligible to apply, with grants paid in WLD tokens.

### Privacy Concerns and Regulatory Challenges

Although Worldcoin claims to delete iris images after generating IrisCode, the project still raises privacy concerns due to biometric data collection. Governments in Kenya, France, and Germany have temporarily suspended or investigated Worldcoin operations over data security issues.

However, the project continues to expand globally. To realize its long-term vision, Worldcoin must build trust among users, regulators, and the crypto community, and transparently address data protection issues.

### Why Pay Attention to WLD

The ultimate goal of Worldcoin is to democratize access to the global economy, distinguish humans from AI, promote global democracy, and explore the possibility of AI-funded universal basic income (UBI). These ambitious visions have attracted millions of users.

From an investment perspective, the prospects of WLD depend on whether the project can overcome privacy and regulatory hurdles, gain approval from major countries, and achieve widespread adoption. Given the volatility of the crypto market, any investment decision should be based on thorough due diligence and risk assessment.

As Worldcoin evolves, monitoring its progress in solving privacy issues, gaining regulatory support, and expanding its user base will be key indicators of its success.