Resources
Glossary of Terms
Account Takeover (also: ATO)
Unauthorized access to a user's account.
Age Verification (also: AV, age block)
A process that confirms a user meets the minimum age requirement to access certain features or complete verification. Users who do not meet the age threshold may be prompted to verify their age before proceeding.
Agent Kit (also: AgentKit)
A World ID SDK that allows apps and websites to verify that AI agents are backed by a verified human. Helps platforms rate-limit agent activity and distinguish legitimate agentic traffic from malicious bots.
Agentic AI
AI that can take actions on your behalf, like browsing the web, making reservations, or completing tasks automatically. World ID helps verify that these AI actions are backed by a real, unique human, protecting platforms from bots and unauthorized automated activity.
AI (also: Artificial Intelligence)
Technology that enables computers to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, like recognizing patterns, understanding language, or making decisions. World ID is an anonymous Proof of Human for the age of AI, helping platforms tell the difference between real people and bots.
AMPC (also: Anonymized Multi-Party Computation)
Anonymized Multi-Party Computation — a cryptographic technique used to process biometric data across multiple parties without any single party having access to the full data. Used by World to enhance privacy during verification.
APY (also: Annual Percentage Yield)
Annual Percentage Yield, showing investment returns with compounding interest.
Authenticator
A method or device used to verify a user's identity during login or access. In the World ID context, the app itself can act as an authenticator for third-party apps that require verified human identity.
Backup (also: Back up, recovery setup)
A login method set up to secure and restore access to your account. Supported options include Passkey, Google sign-in, and Apple sign-in. Setting up at least one is strongly recommended — without it, account recovery may not be possible.
Bitcoin (also: BTC)
A decentralized digital currency that allows users to send and receive payments directly without a bank or central authority. Available to hold and transact within World Wallet.
blockchain
A secure, decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. World Chain, the blockchain underlying World Money, uses this technology to process and verify wallet transactions.
Bot
An automated account or program designed to simulate human behavior online. World ID helps platforms detect and limit bot activity by verifying real human users.
Bot Traffic
The volume of automated non-human activity on a platform. World ID helps platforms reduce bot traffic by requiring Proof of Human
Compliance Standards
A set of rules, regulations, and guidelines that ensure an organization operates lawfully and ethically.
Compliance Standards Framework
An agreement that stipulates punishable offenses and penalties associated with violations
Crypto Exchange
A digital platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies using various currencies, including fiat and other digital assets.
cryptocurrency
A digital form of currency secured by cryptography and operating on a blockchain network. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and WLD.
data custody
The responsibility of securely storing and managing user or organizational data, ensuring it is protected and handled appropriately.
data minimization
A principle of only collecting and retaining the minimum amount of data necessary for a specific purpose.
data privacy
The practice of safeguarding personal or sensitive data, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and giving users control over their information.
decentralization (also: decentralized)
The process of distributing authority, decision-making, or data storage away from a central entity, often to enhance transparency, security, and resilience. Commonly associated with blockchain systems and governance models.
deepfake
A synthetic media, usually video or audio, created using artificial intelligence to impersonate real people, often for deceptive or manipulative purposes.
DPA (also: Data Privacy Authority)
Government or regulatory authority related to data privacy matters.
DSAR (also: Privacy request)
Data Subject Access Request. A user request to access delete or otherwise exercise privacy rights regarding personal data.
Earn
A feature in World Wallet that allows users to supply crypto assets to earn yield, or borrow against their holdings. Powered by Morpho, a decentralized lending protocol.
eETH
A liquid staking token representing staked Ethereum (ETH) on the ether.fi protocol. Holding eETH allows users to earn staking rewards while keeping their assets liquid.
encrypted data
Data that is transformed into a secure format using cryptographic algorithms to protect it from unauthorized access.
Ethereum
A decentralized blockchain platform that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications. World Chain is built on top of Ethereum infrastructure.
Face Authentication (also: Face Auth)
A security step that matches a selfie to encrypted data stored on the user's device, confirming the person using the World ID is the same person who verified.
Face ID
Face ID is a biometric authentication method that uses a person's facial features to verify their identity.
Fiat (also: fiat currency)
Fiat money is a type of government-issued currency (e.g. EUR or USD)
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation, which governs data privacy and protection in the EU.
Human Badge
An indicator that a person has Proof of Human in their World ID. It can appear in World ID app and on accounts connected to a person’s World ID. In meetings that use World ID for Zoom, the Human Badge may appear on a participant’s video tile after successful authentication.
Identity Attestation
A World ID feature that lets users prove specific identity attributes such as age, nationality, or document type to a third-party app without sharing the underlying data. The app only receives a yes or no result confirming whether the user meets the criteria. No personal data is transmitted.
KYC (also: Know Your Customer)
Know Your Customer. Regulatory identity verification that may be required by third-party providers for certain transactions.
Login method (also: Log in, sign-in method)
The way a user signs in and restores access to their account. Supported options include Passkey, Google sign-in, and Apple sign-in. Setting up at least one login method is strongly recommended to ensure account recovery is possible.
Mini App
A feature or service built into World Money, created by either the World team or a third-party developer. Third-party Mini Apps are independently operated, so their content and support are the responsibility of the developer, not the World team
My Number Card
The My Number Card is an identity document issued to citizens of Japan and foreign residents, containing a unique 12-digit Individual Number that serves as a national identification number in Japan.
National ID
an official document issued by a government to verify a citizen's identity.
Native Coin
A digital currency that is native to and built into a specific blockchain network. For example, ETH is the native coin of Ethereum. WLD operates within the World Chain ecosystem.
Network fee (also: Gas fee, transaction fee, blockchain fee, gas)
Transaction fee required to process a blockchain transaction. Determined by the blockchain network and cannot be controlled or refunded.
NFC-enabled ID (also: NFC)
A government-issued identity document such as a passport or national ID with an NFC chip that can be used to claim a Proof of Attributes, without sharing data with third parties.
Non-custodial wallet (also: Self-custodial, user-controlled wallet)
A wallet where the user fully controls their private keys. Support cannot access reset or recover funds if the user loses their backup.
Not verified (also: Unverified World ID, Unverified user)
A World ID status indicating a user has not yet completed any verification. Users in this state are prompted to verify via Orb or NFC to access human-only features and rewards.
Onboarding (also: Account creation, signup, new user)
The initial journey a new user takes when setting up their account, including downloading World ID app, creating an account, and claiming World ID Proofs
Orb (also: Orb device)
A device that verifies you are a unique human. The Orb cryptographically processes images of your face and eyes, without knowing anything else about you.
Orb Verification
The process of verifying in person at an Orb to claim Proof of Human, World ID’s highest-assurance Proof
passkey (also: Passkeys)
Passwordless authentication method that allows users to sign in to apps or websites using cryptographic keys instead of traditional passwords.
Pay
A payment feature in World Money that allows users to send and receive payments using their World Wallet balance.
PCP (also: Personal custody package)
Encrypted biometric data stored locally on the user's device. Not stored by the World team.
Permit
A spending authorization that lets an approved Mini App debit a specified amount of tokens later. Does not transfer funds immediately.
PII (also: Personally Identifiable Information)
Personal data that can identify a user, such as full legal name, date of birth, ID documents, or account numbers.
Privacy Portal
Official user-facing intake form for submitting privacy requests.
Private by Design
Private by design refers to the practice of integrating privacy and data protection principles into the design and development of products, services, and business practices, ensuring that privacy is preserved throughout the entire data lifecycle.
private key (also: private keys)
A private key is an alphanumeric code used to authorize transactions and prove ownership of a blockchain asset, mainly blockchain wallets. In simpler terms, a private key is like the master password to your cryptocurrency account —it's what gives you control over your funds.
Proof of Attributes
Proves specific attributes from your government credentials like age or nationality, without revealing anything else.
Proof of Human
Proves you’re a unique human. The highest level of assurance, backed by encrypted and anonymous hardware verification (the Orb)
Proof of Ownership
An encoded value tied to a user's World ID that confirms a specific person controls a specific World ID account. Can be shared with support or trusted third parties to verify account ownership without revealing personal information.
Proof of Presence
Proves you’re present with just a selfie. The entire process is privacy-preserving and happens on your mobile device.
QR Code
A two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone or other devices to quickly access information, links, or services.
Ramp provider (also: on-ramp, off-ramp, ramp providers)
Third-party service that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto, or withdraw to a bank. Operates independently from World Money support.
ReAuth (also: World ID Re-Authentication, Reauthentication)
Reauthentication flow where a user visits an Orb to refresh their on-device encrypted package to continue using World ID features.
Relying Party (also: RP)
An app, platform, or service that accepts World ID Proofs and decides which Proofs are required for its use case
Settings (also: App settings)
In-app configuration area covering notifications permissions and account details.
smart contract
Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, running on a blockchain to automate processes without intermediaries.
Spending (also: Spending wallet, Spending account)
A wallet balance type in World Money that is ready for payments and everyday transactions such as sending, paying, and swapping tokens. Does not earn yield.
Stablecoin
A type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to a fiat currency like USD or a basket of assets.
Support Team
The team responsible for handling user inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and providing assistance across related products. Users can reach the Support Team directly through the in-app support channel.
Swapping (also: Sell, swap, selling)
Converting one token to another within World Wallet such as WLD to USDC.
Token
A digital asset or unit of value issued on a blockchain, often representing ownership, utility, or access rights within a specific ecosystem.
Tools For Humanity
The technology company that builds and contributes to World, including products and infrastructure such as World ID, World ID app, World Money, World Chain, and the Orb. Tools for Humanity develops technology that helps people prove they are human online and access digital financial tools.
TOS (also: ToS, Terms)
A legal agreement that outlines the rules, responsibilities, and rights of users and providers regarding the use of a service or platform.
Transaction hash (also: Tx hash)
Unique on-chain identifier for a blockchain transaction used to confirm activity in a blockchain explorer.
Virtual Bank Account
A Virtual Account lets you receive funds from a bank or financial institution directly into your World Wallet. Incoming funds are converted into the supported digital asset for your selected currency and added to your wallet balance. You can use a Virtual Account to receive payments, such as paychecks or business payments, or to fund your wallet from your own bank account.
Wallet address
Public address used for receiving and sending tokens on a blockchain network.
Wallet Key
A Wallet Key is a cryptographic key that provides secure access and control over a digital wallet. It is essential for signing transactions, accessing funds, and interacting with blockchain-based services.
WBTC (also: Wrapped BTC, Wrapped Bitcoin)
Wrapped Bitcoin — a version of Bitcoin converted into a token format that can be used on the Ethereum network and other blockchain ecosystems. Available to hold, buy, and transact with in World Wallet.
Web3 (also: Blockchain, digital assets, decentralized web)
General term for blockchain-based products and transactions.
WETH
Wrapped Ether — a version of Ethereum (ETH) that has been converted into a standard token format compatible with a wider range of decentralized apps and exchanges.
WLD (also: Worldcoin)
The Worldcoin token.
World Chain network (also: Worldchain)
Blockchain infrastructure used for many World Money wallet transactions.
World Foundation
The nonprofit organization that stewards the World protocol and ecosystem, previously known as the Worldcoin Foundation. Responsible for the long-term development and governance of the World network.
World ID (also: WorldID)
A privacy-preserving way to prove things about yourself online, such as that you’re a unique human, present in the moment, or have specific attributes like age or nationality. World ID lets you claim and use World ID Proofs without revealing unnecessary personal information.
World ID app
An identity wallet where you can securely manage and use your World ID Proofs online.
World ID Proofs (also: Proofs)
World ID Proofs are things you can prove about yourself with World ID, without revealing unnecessary personal information. This could be Proof of Human, Proof of Presence, and Proof of Attributes.
World Money
The World Money app (formerly World App) is your home for digital finance — buy, sell, hold, and send crypto and stablecoins, deposit funds, earn yield, and access financial Mini Apps.
World Network
The global network of verified users and participants built on World ID.
World Operators (also: Operators, Operator, World Operator)
Businesses or individuals authorized by World to operate Orb locations manage verifications and support user onboarding in their local communities.
World Shop
A Mini App where users can explore and purchase World-branded merchandise and claim free drops.
World Space (also: World Spaces)
A physical location equipped with an Orb where users can get verified and learn about World. Includes dedicated spaces such as Flagships and Kiosks used solely for Orb verification, and non-dedicated Partner Locations where verification is available alongside another primary purpose.
World Wallet
The wallet area in World Money used for token balances and transactions including send receive buy sell swap withdraw and pay.
Worldscan (also: Worldscan.org, Worldchain explorer)
Public blockchain explorer used to view on-chain activity related to World Money and World Chain.
What World ID resources are there for developers?
Are you a user or a developer?
If you're using World ID app or trying to verify your World ID, head to How do I sign up for World ID? instead. This article is for developers building with World ID.
World ID is a privacy-preserving way for your app to confirm a user is a unique, real human — without collecting their personal data. You can integrate it into your website, mobile app, smart contract, or backend.
Where to start
- Developer Portal — developer.world.org. Create an app, manage credentials, and verify the proofs returned by IDKit. The Portal also handles much of the on-chain lookup work for you.
- Developer Docs — docs.world.org. The full technical documentation hub for everything you can build with World
Get help building
- Telegram — World Developer Support
- Discord — world.org/discord
- GitHub — github.com/worldcoin
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
Where can I find opportunities to work at World?
We appreciate your interest in working at World and supporting our mission.
Visit our careers page or LinkedIn profile for information regarding open positions.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.