World caps landmark year as it aims to define 'human' in the context of PoP
Proof of Personhood (PoP) is a concept that’s set to enter the mainstream in 2025. Several firms, including Civic, Humanity Protocol, and World, have emerged to offer options in the market for verifying the quality of “humanness.” However, the exact terminology for this concept is still undetermined.
A Major Leap for World
World, known for operating the World ID digital network and utilizing iris biometrics for PoP verification, underwent a significant rebranding in 2024. The rebrand aimed to shift the focus away from its cryptocurrency roots and emphasize its goal of registering every individual on earth for a World ID.
A Landmark Year for World
In a year-in-review blog post, World celebrated 2024 as a significant year for its network, boasting over 20 million participants, including 9,678,662 verified humans. The company attributed its growth to new global launches, enhanced network accessibility, and the introduction of new practical World ID applications.
The Concept of 'Proof of Human'
Following a live streamed event in October 2024 titled “A New World,” World began promoting the term “proof of human” in its branding. This term, also referred to as proof of personhood, focuses on verifying that digital actions or accounts are associated with real, unique, living humans rather than bots, AI, or automated systems.
The Challenge of AI and the Role of World
The rise of AI has sparked concerns among individuals regarding privacy and authenticity. With the increasing adoption of AI technologies, including ChatGPT by Open AI, there are growing discussions about the impact of AI agents in 2025 and the environmental implications of AI advancements.
Challenges and Regulatory Issues
Despite its ambitious goals, World has faced regulatory challenges in various countries, leading to bans and temporary suspensions of its activities. A recent ruling in Germany highlighted concerns that World’s practices may violate GDPR regulations, particularly regarding consent and transparency in biometrics collection.
Advancing Digital Identity with World
World’s offerings now extend beyond biometrics to include a wallet, blockchain technology, and digital credentials. The company believes that its biometrics and digital ID project can address key challenges posed by AI, such as online trust issues, fraud prevention, and cybercrime threats posed by technologies like deepfakes.
Looking Towards the Future
As we navigate the AI-driven digital landscape of 2025, the discussion around human identity validation and technological accountability continues to evolve. World’s approach to establishing the authenticity of digital content created by humans reflects a broader conversation on the role of technology in defining humanity and identity.
