Glossary
Explore definitions of key terms related to World ID, proof of human, blockchain technology, digital and crypto assets and much more.
A
Account Restore
Getting access back to an existing World App account. Depends on backup/recovery setup and cannot be forced by support.
add funds
A feature in World App that allows users to deposit money into their wallet.
Age Verification (AV)
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
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
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.
Airdrop
Program that distributes WLD to eligible verified users.
Alfred Pay
A third-party ramp provider that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto within supported regions. Operates independently from World App support.
AMPC
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
Annual Percentage Yield, showing investment returns with compounding interest.
authentication app
a mobile application used to generate one-time passcodes for secure login or verification.
Authentication certificate
What another participant sees when they select the Human Badge next to your name in a Zoom meeting. It confirms your World for Zoom authentication and shows when you authenticated and how long it stays valid. Viewing it requires the World for Zoom app running in that participant's Zoom client.
Authenticator
A method or device used to verify a user's identity during login or access. In the World ID context, the World App itself can act as an authenticator for third-party apps that require verified human identity.
Automatic Extension
System behavior that extends ReAuth availability automatically when there is no active Orb nearby. Users do not need to request it.
B
Backup
A login method set up to secure and restore access to your World App 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.
biometric data consent form
User agreement to allow the collection and use of their biometric data, typically for verification.
Biometric recovery
An option to recover your World ID at an Orb. This works by linking your iris to your account, allowing you to recover access by visiting an Orb and verifying again.
biometrics
Unique physical characteristics used to verify a person's identity, such as iris patterns or facial features. World uses biometric data during the Orb verification process to confirm a user is a real, unique human.
Bitcoin
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 App, 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 human verification.
Bridge
The service which enables funds to move across different blockchains
Bug report
What you send when you use Report an issue in the World for Zoom panel to tell us something went wrong. You describe the problem and confirm you agree to share the report and related verification data with Tools for Humanity. It gives support the technical detail behind a failed authentication. It is evidence rather than a support ticket, so submitting one does not open a case or produce a reply.
C
Claim / Grant
The process of receiving your allocated WLD tokens within World App. Eligible verified users can claim their WLD on a monthly basis, up to their total annual Worldcoin Guarantee amount.
Community Operator
Everyday people with self-serve Orbs who conduct verifications in their local communities.
Compatibility Mark
A Compatibility Mark is a trademark or logo provided by World that certified partners can use to indicate that their products or services are compatible with the Worldcoin platform or World ID.
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
Concert Kit
A product that enables verified users to access music event tickets and presales using their World ID. Uses World ID verification as part of the ticket purchase flow.
Credential Issuer
An entity that issues credentials to users. For example Tools for Humanity issues Orb and NFC ID credentials. Any approved issuer can issue credentials within the World ID ecosystem.
Credential Vault
World App feature allowing you to upload, store and verify your identity by uploading your ID
Credential Verification
World ID verification method completed in-app using NFC-enabled documents such as a passport or national ID.
credentials
information used for authentication, such as usernames, passwords, or biometric data.
Credentials Hub
New tab in World ID App that will allow users to see different type of identity credentials connected to their World ID
Credit / Loan (Mini App)
Mini App experience where users may take a loan or credit product.
cross-chain interoperability
The capability for different blockchain networks to interact, enabling asset or data transfers between them.
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.
D
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.
Deals
A Mini App in World App that lets users discover and access discounts and deals available near them.
decentralization
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.
decentralized identity
A self-sovereign identity system where users own and control their personal information, often built on blockchain technology.
Decentralized Trust
A model where trust is established through cryptographic proofs and distributed systems rather than a single central authority enabling verifiers to trust credentials without relying on one organization.
deepfake
A synthetic media, usually video or audio, created using artificial intelligence to impersonate real people, often for deceptive or manipulative purposes.
Device Verification
Security step used to confirm a user is accessing their account from a trusted device.
Dollar Vault
Dollar Vault is a feature in World App that allows you to grow your funds by earning yield at the DAI Savings Rate, providing a secure and efficient way to save digital dollars.
Dollars USDC
The label for your USDC cash balance in World Money. Displays your US dollar-denominated balance, which can be used for spending, saving, or earning yield within the app.
Donations
A Mini App in World App that allows users to make donations to causes or organizations directly through World App.
DSAR
Data Subject Access Request. A user request to access delete or otherwise exercise privacy rights regarding personal data.
E
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.
eSIM
A Mini App in World App that allows users to purchase and activate a digital SIM card (eSIM) for mobile data, directly through World App.
Ethereum
A decentralized blockchain platform that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications. World Chain is built on top of Ethereum infrastructure.
External transaction
A transaction involving an external wallet or exchange. Key risk: using the wrong network or sending unsupported assets. Transactions are generally irreversible.
F
Face Authentication
A World App 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 credential
This refers to a future credential type related to facial authentication/verification. It is not yet available and will appear in the interface as "coming soon."
Face ID
Face ID is a biometric authentication method that uses a person's facial features to verify their identity.
Face Recognition
A biometric technology that identifies or verifies a person's identity by analyzing their facial features.
False Match Rate
The rate at which a biometric system incorrectly matches two different individuals as the same, indicating a false positive result.
False Non-Match Rate
The rate at which a biometric system fails to recognize a valid match, incorrectly identifying the individual as different, indicating a false negative result.
Fiat
Fiat money is a type of government-issued currency (e.g. EUR or USD)
Field Staff
Individuals who work on the ground at Orb locations to assist users with the verification process and support onboarding.
G
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation, which governs data privacy and protection in the EU.
Gift Cards
A Mini App in World App that allows users to purchase gift cards for various brands and services using their World Wallet balance.
Gimbal
The circular mirror at the center of the Orb that moves to align with a person's eyes.
H
Human Actions
A Mini App in World App where verified users can complete actions or tasks and earn rewards.
Human Badge
The indicator that a person holds a Proof of Human credential in their World ID. It appears in the World ID App and on accounts connected to a person's World ID. In Zoom meetings using World for Zoom, it is issued after a successful authentication and shown over the participant's video tile.
Human credential
Proof that a user has verified their humanity through World ID (i.e., they have completed the Orb verification process and are recognized as a real, unique human).
I
ID reward
A type of referral reward users can get when they invite a friend who successfully verifies through their ID (via the NFC Credentials feature).
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.
Invite
A feature in World App that allows users to invite friends to join and verify with World ID.
Invites
A feature in World App that manages the referral program, allowing users to invite friends and track referral rewards.
iris code
A unique digital identifier generated by the Orb from a user's iris images during verification. Used to confirm a user is real and unique without storing the original iris image.
IrisHash
An IrisCode that is processed by a hash function to make it impossible to revert to the original image (privacy preserving). This is active research and is not built yet. However, we aim for this in the final system.
K
KYC
Know Your Customer. Regulatory identity verification that may be required by third-party providers for certain transactions.
L
Learn
A Mini App in World App that enables users to complete educational courses and lessons, earning rewards upon completion.
Learn Center
Hub on world.org containing different educational articles.
Legacy Program (Airdrop)
Label for users with a World ID verified account from earlier program phases used to distinguish older claim flows and availability rules.
Login method
The way a user signs in and restores access to their World App 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.
Join the real human network
Get World ID AppM
Manteca
A third-party ramp provider that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto within supported regions. Operates independently from World App support.
Mini App
A feature or service built into World App, 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
MX Global
A third-party ramp provider that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto within supported regions. Operates independently from World App support.
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.
N
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
Transaction fee required to process a blockchain transaction. Determined by the blockchain network and cannot be controlled or refunded.
NFC-enabled ID
A government-issued identity document such as a passport or national ID with an NFC chip that can be used to verify credentials in World App, without sharing data with third parties.
Non-custodial 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
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.
Notifications
In-app or OS-level alerts related to claiming flows and feature rollouts.
nullifier
a cryptographic element used in privacy-preserving systems (e.g., zero-knowledge proofs) to ensure that an action, such as a transaction or verification, cannot be duplicated while maintaining anonymity.
O
Occlusion
A condition during Orb verification where something partially blocks or obscures the user's iris, preventing a successful scan. This can be caused by physical characteristics, eyelashes, reflections, or other factors that interfere with the Orb's ability to capture a clear iris image. Users experiencing occlusion may need to reposition or seek assistance from an Orb operator.
Onboarding
The initial journey a new user takes when setting up your account — including downloading the app, creating an account, and completing identity verification at an Orb or through a supported credential.
One Human: One Account
The principle that each verified World ID is tied to a unique real person preventing duplicate accounts and bot abuse across the network.
Onramp Money
A third-party ramp provider that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto within supported regions. Operates independently from World App support.
Orb
In-person biometric verification device used to create or refresh high-assurance World ID credentials.
Orb App
A companion app used to manage and operate an Orb verification device. Separate from World App, which is used by users being verified.
Orb on Demand
A service that allows users to schedule a verification appointment with an Orb operator who comes to a location of the user's choosing.
Orb reward
A type of referral reward users can get when they invite a friend who successfully verifies at the Orb.
Orb Self-Serve
A verification setup where users can complete their Orb verification independently at a self-serve Orb location, without needing guidance from an operator.
Orb Verification
World ID verification method completed at an Orb. Generally qualifies users for higher WLD than credential-only verification where eligible.
ORO
A token native to the World Chain network, also referred to as the GOLD token. Available as a Mini App within World App, where users can claim ORO tokens as a reward for being Orb-verified.
P
passkey
Passwordless authentication method that allows users to sign in to apps or websites using cryptographic keys instead of traditional passwords.
passport
An official document issued by a government, certifying the holder's identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.
Paused verification operations
When verification flows are unavailable in a country or temporarily paused.
Pay
A payment feature in World App that allows users to send and receive payments using their World Wallet balance.
PCP
Encrypted biometric data stored locally on the user's device. Not stored by the World team.
Peer-to-Peer Transfers
Direct transfers of funds or tokens between individuals without intermediaries.
Permit
A spending authorization that lets an approved Mini App debit a specified amount of tokens later. Does not transfer funds immediately.
Phone Top-Ups
A Mini App in World App — the full name for Top-Ups — that allows users to add mobile credit to their phone directly through World App.
PII
Personal data that can identify a user, such as full legal name, date of birth, ID documents, or account numbers.
Points
Non-financial units earned through World ID Rewards that can be redeemed for select digital services such as streaming, mobility, and productivity tools.
Polls
A Mini App in World App that allows verified users to create and participate in polls.
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
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 Human
System to verify a user is a unique human without revealing personal identity details. Used to determine eligibility for claims credits or features.
Proof of liveness
A security process that verifies a user is physically present and real at the time of verification (not a photo, video, or deepfake), typically through real-time actions like blinking, head movement, or facial recognition.
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 Uniqueness
A system or method to verify that an individual is unique (not duplicate) within a system, often used in decentralized identity and anti-fraud mechanisms.
Q
QR Code
A two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone or other devices to quickly access information, links, or services.
R
Ramp Network
A third-party ramp provider that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto within supported regions. Operates independently from World App support.
Ramp provider
Third-party service that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto, or withdraw to a bank. Operates independently from World App support.
ReAuth (World ID Re-Authentication)
Reauthentication flow where a user visits an Orb to refresh their on-device encrypted package to continue using World ID features.
Referral program
Invites and referrals program in World App. Rules vary by market verification type and program version.
Relying Party
An app platform or service that accepts and verifies World ID credentials to grant access or privileges. Decides which credentials are acceptable for their use case.
S
Secure provisioning
The process of securely setting up and initializing a device or system such as an Orb with the credentials, keys, and software it needs to operate safely and as intended. Ensures the device has not been tampered with before use.
Selfie Check
A low-friction anonymous verification method that uses a selfie and a uniqueness signal to help platforms prevent bot abuse. Medium assurance than Orb verification. Selfie photos never leave the user's device.
semaphore-rs
A Rust-based library or implementation designed for privacy-preserving protocols, often used to handle anonymous signaling, cryptographic proofs, or zero-knowledge systems.
Sequencer & Indexer
Service that inserts verified World IDs on-chain (batched) and fetches inclusion proofs to generate ZKPs for World ID.
sequencer node
A specialized node in a blockchain or distributed system that organizes and processes transactions, typically ensuring the correct order and inclusion of transactions in the network.
Settings
In-app configuration area for World App covering notifications permissions and account details.
Single sign-on (SSO)
The sign-in method for the World Enterprise Portal. Administrators sign in through their organization's identity provider. There is no separate portal password.
smart contract
Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, running on a blockchain to automate processes without intermediaries.
Software Development Kit (SDK)
A collection of tools, libraries, and documentation that developers use to build applications for specific platforms or frameworks.
Spending
A wallet balance type in World App 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.
State Bridges
State bridge between the World ID Ethereum mainnet deployment and World ID supported EVM networks.
Stripe
A third-party ramp provider that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto within supported regions. Operates independently from World App support.
Support Team
The team responsible for handling user inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and providing assistance across World App and related products. Users can reach the Support Team directly through the in-app support channel.
Swapping
Converting one token to another within World Wallet such as WLD to USDC.
Sybil Resistance
The ability of a system to prevent a single person from creating multiple fake accounts or identities. World ID achieves this through its one-human one-account verification model.
T
Terminal
A Mini App in World App that provides users with access to financial tools and services.
Terms of Use
A legal agreement that outlines the rules, responsibilities, and rights of users and providers regarding the use of a service or platform.
Third-party Mini App
A Mini App inside World App that is built and operated by an external company rather than the World team. World App provides access and wallet functionality, but the third-party developer is responsible for their own product.
Three-way match
The check behind an authentication. Compares the images captured at the Orb, a live selfie, and live frames from the Zoom call.
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 company behind World App, World ID, and the broader World ecosystem. Tools for Humanity builds the technology that powers human verification and financial access for users worldwide.
Top-Ups
A Mini App in World App that allows users to add mobile credit to their phone directly through World App.
TOS (ToS)
A legal agreement that outlines the rules, responsibilities, and rights of users and providers regarding the use of a service or platform.
Transaction hash
Unique on-chain identifier for a blockchain transaction used to confirm activity in a blockchain explorer.
U
unique human
Avoid turning it into a noun/a trait. "Unique humanness" conveys that humanness is unique which is incorrect. However, "unique" and "human" can be turned into nouns if done separately.
Unlimit
A third-party ramp provider that enables users to convert between fiat currency and crypto within supported regions. Operates independently from World App support.
V
Verification frequency
How often participants are asked to complete World for Zoom authentication again before their Human Badge stops being shown. Set for the whole organization by an administrator, in the portal's Integrations settings.
Verification Levels
The different tiers of World ID verification available to users ranging from medium to higher assurance. Orb verification provides the highest level (full Proof of Human), NFC or Credential verification provides a mid-level, and Selfie Check provides a medium-assurance option. The level accepted depends on the app or platform requiring verification.
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.
Voucher
Redeemable code used for purchasing goods, services, or obtaining discounts
W
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
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
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.
Whitepaper
Worldcoin's comprehensive document outlining the technical and economic aspects of the project.
WLD
The Worldcoin token. In support contexts claiming WLD refers to receiving periodic airdrop portions inside World App.
World Card
A physical bank card (VISA), that you can use in stores/online to pay with assets you have on your World account.
World Chain network
Blockchain infrastructure used for many World App wallet transactions.
World Chat
A Mini App in World App that lets users chat with others using wallet addresses or usernames, send messages and photos, and transfer funds in an end-to-end encrypted environment.
World Enterprise Portal
The web application where an organization's IT administrators manage their World ID deployment.
World for Zoom
The integration that confirms a Zoom participant is the real, verified person their account says they are, during a live call.
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
The user's verification status and credentials, created through verification flows such as Orb or Credential Verification.
World ID App
A dedicated app for verifying your humanity, managing your World ID credentials, and authenticating with partner apps.
World ID Rewards
An incentive program for newly Orb-verified users that provides free, limited-time access to select digital services such as streaming, mobility, and productivity tools. Rewards are redeemed using Points.
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
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 in World App where users can explore and purchase World-branded merchandise and claim free drops.
World Space
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 App used for token balances and transactions including send receive buy sell swap withdraw and pay.
Worldscan
Public blockchain explorer used to view on-chain activity related to World App and World Chain.
Z
zero-knowledge proof
a method to prove that a user is a real and unique human without revealing any other information about them
ZKP
Zero-Knowledge Proof. A cryptographic method that allows a user to prove something is true (such as being a verified human) without revealing any underlying personal data.