Users sign up for World ID by visiting a Worldcoin Operator and verifying their unique personhood at an Orb. The Orb uses iris biometrics to establish an individual’s unique personhood and then creates a digital World ID, which is stored on the users device using a compatible identity wallet. World App is built on top of Safe's smart contract accounts and also serves as an identity wallet.

Worldcoin is an open source protocol primarily consisting of World ID - a privacy-preserving digital identity and World App - a fully self custodial wallet. Worldcoin was founded by Sam Altman, Alex Blania and Max Novendstern and publicly launched in July 2023.

Worldcoin is currently governed by the Worldcoin Foundation, but intends to decentralize governance over time. Worldcoin's investors include a16z, Multicoin Capital, 1confirmation, CoinFund etc.