- Worldcoin, Sam Altman’s crypto project, is building a layer-2 chain based on the OP Stack, a framework for building Ethereum-based layer-2 chains
- The human-focused blockchain network will aim to address issues like scalability and high transaction fees on the Ethereum mainnet
- Worldcoin has attracted significant funding and attention, though details on its specific use cases and roadmap remain unclear
Worldcoin, the crypto project founded by Sam Altman, is building a layer-2 chain based on the OP Stack framework. This human-focused blockchain aims to be scalable while preserving privacy.
About Worldcoin and Sam Altman
Worldcoin is a blockchain network focused on onboarding the world’s population. The project was founded by Sam Altman, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur known for being the former president of Y Combinator.
Altman has described Worldcoin as an attempt to build a new digital currency “from first principles” while avoiding the ideology and politics associated with existing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The goal is a currency designed for mainstream adoption.
Details on the Layer-2 Chain
Worldcoin has announced it is building a layer-2 chain on top of Ethereum using the OP Stack framework. Layer-2 chains run on top of a base layer blockchain (like Ethereum) to increase scalability by handling transactions “off-chain”.
OP Stack is a set of open source tools for building layer-2 chains that connect to Ethereum. It was developed by Optimism, a leading layer-2 project.
By leveraging OP Stack, Worldcoin aims to achieve the scalability needed to onboard millions of users. The project has emphasized the need for speed, low transaction fees, and privacy.
A layer-2 architecture will enable Worldcoin to handle large transaction volumes without congesting Ethereum. Transactions occur off-chain and are periodically settled on Ethereum in bulk.
This layer-2 approach aligns with Worldcoin’s goals around privacy and mainstream adoption. However, some tradeoffs include increased centralization and reliance on Worldcoin’s validators.
Conclusion
Worldcoin is ambitiously trying to create a new global currency built for the general public rather than just crypto enthusiasts. The team believes a layer-2 architecture using OP Stack is the right technical foundation.
However, scaling while preserving privacy and decentralization will remain an immense challenge. Worldcoin’s success will depend on navigating complex technical tradeoffs and garnering massive adoption.
