WorldCoin’s whitepaper delves into the complex technical and structural challenges of implementing a global identification system. The company aims to leverage various technologies such as biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and zero-knowledge proofs to revolutionize the way individuals establish their identity in the online world. While the ambitious goal of reshaping the Earth’s landscape through a global participation engine may be a lofty one, WorldCoin’s innovative approach is poised to generate ideas that could significantly impact both mainstream Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 software.
To initiate the process, users are required to install the World App, akin to a crypto wallet. This app generates a cryptographic key pair, with the private key securely stored in the wallet and the public key made distributable.
The next step involves visiting an orb, which is a custom hardware device equipped with cameras, multi-spectrum lights, specialized chips, and software. The primary function of the orb is capturing a scan of the user’s eyes and reducing it to a compact format. This format is then hashed using a one-way hash, making it impossible to reverse-engineer the original scan from the hash. Additionally, the orb scans a QR code from the wallet to link the scan with the generated keys. The development of the orb has been a focal point of WorldCoin’s research and development efforts, aiming to ensure accurate identification, data integrity, and security.
Once the orb produces the encrypted scan and QR code, it sends a request to the WorldCoin blockchain to verify uniqueness. WorldCoin leverages the Ethereum blockchain, specifically employing a zero-knowledge protocol called Semaphore to validate membership in the set of verified humans. This protocol allows for confirmation of the eye scan hash’s existence in the set without disclosing the hash itself. If the iris scan is deemed “sufficiently distinct” from others, it is added to the list of accepted individuals. Worries surrounding exorbitant costs led to WorldCoin’s shift from initially using Polygon to Ethereum, given the latter’s broader popularity.
With the user’s identity securely stored on the blockchain, the World App serves as an attestation mechanism. However, to ensure the person scanning their eyes matches the phone user, the app incorporates additional verification methods, such as face-scanning features analogous to Apple’s Face ID.
World ID’s utility extends beyond WorldCoin’s ecosystem. Third-party apps, both within Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, can integrate World ID for identity verification. While the implementation process may appear intricate compared to traditional mechanisms, the emphasis on security and privacy inherent in World ID contributes to this complexity. Despite the potential challenges, adopting Web2 solutions like Sign-in With Ethereum (SIWE) could become increasingly popular for app developers in the future.
The reliance on zero-knowledge proofs throughout the interaction is an aspect likely to shape the realm of cybersecurity. As these proofs become more pervasive in Web 3.0 and traditional authentication systems, WorldCoin’s endeavors raise awareness around the concept of decentralized identity. Although World ID currently utilizes a centralized database for identity storage, plans are underway to transition to a fully decentralized structure.
World ID’s introduction into the space of blockchain-based proof-of-personhood and identity systems is noteworthy. The project’s whitepaper suggests the possibility of issuing additional credentials on the protocol in the future, eventually establishing itself as a universal and trusted identity provider for multiple verifiers. The extent to which WorldCoin can accomplish its objectives remains uncertain, but its contributions are set to shape the evolution of identity verification and authentication mechanisms.
Considering a hypothetical best-case scenario, World ID’s success as a global identity system could lead to a decentralized online environment where every human being, devoid of bots, possesses equal influence. This utopian vision revolves around a flexible system that accommodates individuals’ ideas, interests, and needs. However, a worst-case scenario reminiscent of an Orwellian nightmare also looms. The potential pitfalls of a universal tracking and surveillance system raise concerns among individuals who fear excessive monitoring and control. While WorldCoin endeavors to prevent such abuses, a sense of unease persists among some individuals due to the perceived threat of being overly identified and cataloged by authoritative entities.
In conclusion, WorldCoin’s World ID presents an intriguing and audacious approach to address identity challenges. While its ultimate viability remains uncertain, it undeniably holds the potential to shape future innovations in identity verification and could emerge as a significant player in the identity provider space. Its pioneering utilization of technologies like blockchain, zero-knowledge proofs, and biometrics highlights the growing importance of decentralized identity solutions in both the cybersecurity and mainstream software domains.