World (formerly Worldcoin) combines World ID, a proof-of-personhood credential issued after an iris scan by an "Orb", with the WLD token. Where regulators allow it, verified humans receive recurring WLD user grants. The founders present it as a possible route to AI-funded UBI.
World Chain (OP Stack L2); originally Ethereum/Optimism
- 10B WLD total supply; 75% for the community (the Foundation targets 60%+ to users), 25% to investors and team
- ~1.3B WLD circulating (April 2025)
- Market-priced, volatile token (not a stablecoin)
Worldcoin Foundation (Cayman); Tools for Humanity develops the tech; WLD governance planned
Sam Altman
Alex Blania
Max Novendstern
2026-09: World stopped creating or renewing WLD airdrop cycles on 1 June 2026, so people verifying after that date get no recurring grant; existing 12-month cycles run out around mid-2027. Superseded by "World Money" (stablecoin payments plus capped Earn boosts, launched ~17 Sep 2026). World ID itself continues.
Source: https://support.world.org/hc/en-us/articles/30969185598739-Updates-to-t…
- Criticised over biometric privacy and paying people to register
- The grant is not an unconditional UBI in all countries (restricted in the US and elsewhere)