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.

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

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

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.

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.

encrypted data

Data that is transformed into a secure format using cryptographic algorithms to protect it from unauthorized access.

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.

Field Staff (also: staff)

Individuals who work on the ground at Orb locations to assist users with the verification process and support onboarding.

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.

Learn Center

Hub on world.org containing different educational articles.

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.

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.

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.

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 (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

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.

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 App

A companion app used to manage and operate an Orb verification device. Separate from the World ID 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

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.

PCP (also: Personal custody package)

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.

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.

Points

Non-financial units earned through World ID Rewards that can be redeemed for select digital services such as streaming, mobility, and productivity tools.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Whitepaper

Worldcoin's comprehensive document outlining the technical and economic aspects of the project.

WLD (also: Worldcoin)

The Worldcoin token.

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 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 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.

ZKP (also: Zero-Knowledge Proof)

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.