- Worldcoin unveiled major updates to its identity protocol, including integrations with popular apps like Telegram, Reddit, and Shopify that allow users to verify their identity while preserving privacy.
- The “World ID 2.0” update creates a “humanness” digital passport so users can prove they are human without revealing personal details, helping platforms distinguish between bots and real people.
- Worldcoin is expanding globally, with new iris-scanning “orb” devices launching in Mexico and Singapore to register users. Nearly 5 million people now have a World ID, though regulatory hurdles remain as the project spreads to new markets.
Worldcoin, the identity-focused crypto project co-created by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, announced on Wednesday a major protocol update that will allow users to verify their identity across popular platforms while preserving privacy.
New App Integrations
The update, dubbed World ID 2.0, includes pre-built integrations with Telegram, Reddit, Minecraft, Shopify, and Mercado Libre. These apps can now distinguish between bots and verified humans online without requiring users to disclose their full identities.
With Worldcoin’s “humanness” digital passport, individuals can prove to platforms that they are human without revealing personal details. This allows brands to ensure their offerings are being used as intended, while protecting user privacy.
Global Expansion
In addition to the new app integrations, Worldcoin is continuing its global rollout. Mexico and Singapore will be the latest countries where people can find Worldcoin’s iris-scanning “orb” devices to register for the service.
The orbs are already available in 12 countries including the US, Germany, Spain, and South Korea. Almost 5 million people now have a World ID, and over 25 million have verified they are human through the orb scanning process.
Earlier Challenges
Worldcoin’s expansion has faced challenges. Earlier this year, the project was suspended in Kenya until public agencies could certify it posed no risks. As the project spreads to new markets, it will need to navigate regulatory hurdles.
But with the new app integrations and progress on global adoption, Worldcoin aims to make privacy-preserving identity verification ubiquitous across the internet. The project sees a future where proving you are human is as easy as scanning your iris, without giving up personal information.
