Worldcoin pushes for mainstream adoption via integration with Shopify, Minecraft, Reddit Worldcoin pushes for mainstream adoption via integration with Shopify, Minecraft, Reddit
Worldcoin's ambitious global expansion continues despite regulatory hurdles and privacy concerns.
2 min read
Updated: Mar. 6, 2024 at 3:27 pm UTC
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
Worldcoin, a crypto project co-founded by Sam Altman, recently announced its integration with several prominent online platforms, including Minecraft, Reddit, Telegram, Shopify, and Mercado Libre, TechCrunch reported.
This development extends the reach of its World ID technology, which had previously been integrated with platforms like Discord, Talent Protocol, and Okta’s Auth0.
Launched publicly about four months ago, Worldcoin’s protocol has been updated to World ID 2.0, aimed at improving the distinction between bots and verified human users.
Authentication levels
Tiago Sada, head of product for Tools for Humanity and a key contributor at Worldcoin, highlighted the enhanced ease for developers in building integrations with this update.
The new integrations have practical implications. For example, Reddit moderators can use World ID for user verification and special permissions, and Shopify store owners can implement it for fraud prevention and promotional activities.
Worldcoin has introduced three levels of authentication for World ID.
The ‘casual’ level requires just a profile creation in the Worldcoin app. The ‘standard’ level adds iris scanning, a crucial feature powered by the company’s unique Orb technology, and the ‘high’ level includes facial recognition for added security. This tiered system allows users different levels of security and verification.
Creating a World ID does not require real names or identification, allowing for user anonymity. However, Sada noted that the system has its limitations, such as the potential for users to create multiple World IDs across different devices. This limitation persists until an iris scan with an Orb, after which users are restricted to a single ID.
Expansion plans
Alongside these technological developments, Worldcoin is expanding its operations to Mexico and Singapore, with plans to extend further into Asia. This expansion is part of the company’s objective to make Orb technology globally accessible.
However, the project has faced notable challenges, for example, a ban in Kenya due to local concerns about data security and privacy. Additionally, there has been criticism of Worldcoin’s approach in developing countries, particularly regarding the distribution of WLD tokens as incentives for signing up.
Despite these challenges, Worldcoin reports significant growth. According to their website, nearly 5 million people globally have created a World ID, with around 2.6 million undergoing iris scanning. Over 100,000 new accounts were created in the last week alone.
Sada acknowledged the evident growth but emphasized that achieving global adoption remains a significant milestone in Worldcoin’s journey. The focus for 2024 will be on improving the platform and expanding its reach worldwide.
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Author 
Assad Jafri
AJ, a passionate journalist since Yemen's 2011 Arab Spring, has honed his skills worldwide for over a decade. Specializing in financial journalism, he now focuses on crypto reporting.
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Worldcoin’s mission is to build the world’s largest identity and financial network to serve as a public utility, giving ownership to everyone.
Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, an AI research and deployment company since 2019.
