Worldcoin’s ‘Human-Centric’ Blockchain Network Launch

Worldcoin, a startup founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is taking a “human-centric” approach with its new blockchain network, World Chain. The project aims to prioritize human users, enhance efficiency, and promote real-world utility in Web3 applications. Worldcoin has already created over 10 million World IDs and completed 75 million transactions, showcasing its rapid growth. The network is designed to scale alongside Ethereum as a layer 2 solution. spoke with Tiago Sada, the head of operations at Worldcoin, to gain insights into the network’s intentions and its focus on humans.

Sada explained that World Chain operates similarly to other layer 2 solutions and Ethereum. Its uniqueness lies in prioritizing humans over bots. Many blockchains face congestion due to bot activity and humans often struggle to get their transactions through. World Chain tackles this issue by giving priority to transactions completed by verified World ID holders. The remaining block space is then open to other transactions like any other blockchain.

To make it easier for newcomers, verified users will receive a gas allowance, reducing friction. The Worldcoin Foundation will provide this allowance to verified humans, making a couple of monthly transactions gas free. The goal is to create an equilibrium where bots and power users cover the gas fees for casual users. This approach aligns with Ethereum and involves collaboration with projects like Optimism and Base. Worldcoin plans to launch the network fully in the summer, with a developer preview coming soon.

In addition to these developments, Worldcoin has made changes to enhance privacy and user data protection. The project has tightened privacy checks, restricted access to users over 18, and implemented a feature that allows the permanent deletion of the user’s iris code. These changes come in response to scrutiny from governments, which has led to temporary bans in countries like Portugal, Kenya, and Spain. Saba believes this scrutiny is a natural part of introducing a new protocol and is necessary to ensure the project’s transparency and compliance.

Worldcoin’s approach to prioritizing humans and focusing on their needs sets it apart in the Web3 space. By favoring transactions from verified users and providing gas allowances, the network aims to make it easier for people to participate and start using blockchain technology. With its upcoming full launch and collaboration with other projects, Worldcoin is positioning itself as a player in the evolving blockchain ecosystem.