> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://worlddao.gitbook.io/worlddao-white-paper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://worlddao.gitbook.io/worlddao-white-paper/introducing-worldcoin.md).

# Introducing Worldcoin

Worldcoin was founded with the mission of creating a globally-inclusive identity and financial network, owned by the majority of humanity. If successful, Worldcoin could considerably increase economic opportunity, scale a reliable solution for distinguishing humans from AI online while preserving privacy, enable global democratic processes, and show a potential path to AI-funded UBI.

Worldcoin consists of a privacy-preserving digital identity network (World ID) built on proof of personhood and, where laws allow, a digital currency (WLD). Every human is eligible for a share of WLD simply for being human. World ID and WLD are currently complemented by World App, the first frontend to World ID and the Worldcoin Protocol, developed by the contributor team at [Tools for Humanity](https://www.toolsforhumanity.com/) (TFH).

“Proof of personhood” is one of the core ideas behind Worldcoin, and refers to establishing an individual is both human and unique. Once established, it gives the individual the ability to assert they are a real person and different from another real person, without having to reveal their real-world identity.

Today, [proof of personhood is an unsolved problem](https://vitalik.eth.limo/general/2023/07/24/biometric.html) on a global scale, making it difficult to vote online or distribute value on a large scale. The problem is even more pressing as increasingly powerful AI models will further amplify the difficulty of distinguishing humans from bots. If successful as part of Worldcoin, World ID could become a global proof of personhood standard.

Some of the core assumptions behind Worldcoin are:

1. Proof of personhood is a missing and necessary digital primitive. This primitive will become more important as increasingly powerful AI models become available.
2. Scalable and inclusive proof of personhood, for the first time, allows aligning the incentives of all network participants around adding real humans to the network. Bitcoin is issued to secure the Bitcoin network. Worldcoin is issued to grow the Worldcoin network, with security inherited from Ethereum.
3. In a time of increasingly powerful AI, the most reliable way to issue a global proof of personhood is through custom biometric hardware.

The following dynamic Whitepaper shares the reasoning behind the implementation of the project as well as the current state and roadmap.


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