Observed Signal · Jul 24, 2023 · Product Launch · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Worldcoin Launches WLD Token, Iris-Scanning Identity Network
Worldcoin, the iris-scanning identity and payments startup co-founded by Alex Blania and Sam Altman, launched its WLD token, World ID protocol and World App globally. Backed by $115 million in funding, the project aims to create an inclusive payment network verified through iris scans, positioning World ID as privacy-preserving proof of personhood in the AI era. The ERC-20 WLD token runs on Ethereum's Optimism Layer-2 and is already tradable on ByBit, Huobi, Gate.io and Uniswap, with Binance and OKEx announcing listings. Around two million beta participants receive WLD via World Assets Ltd, while users can earn 25 WLD by registering at Orb scanners. Worldcoin reported roughly two million registered users across about 200 Orbs, with plans for 1,500 scanners. The token is unavailable to US users due to regulatory uncertainty, and the foundation warns that WLD remains experimental and volatile.
Worldcoin's global launch is a significant milestone for decentralized identity and proof-of-personhood, relevant to the AdTech identity ecosystem, but it is not a direct advertising technology change.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Worldcoin launched its WLD token, World ID and World App globally on July 24, 2023.
- The project is backed by $115 million in investment and co-founded by Alex Blania and Sam Altman.
- WLD is an ERC-20 token running on Ethereum Layer-2 Optimism and is listed on ByBit, Huobi, Gate.io and Uniswap, with Binance and OKEx announcing listings.
- Worldcoin's market capitalization exceeded $25 billion, with WLD trading above $2 on launch day.
- World Assets Ltd is distributing WLD to about two million beta participants, and Orb-scanned users receive 25 WLD tokens; Worldcoin is not available to US citizens.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“ByBit is one of the centralized crypto exchanges already trading WLD....”
“Sam Altman is best known as CEO of OpenAI....”
“Binance announced it would list the WLD token....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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