World Network’s Lead Architect Discusses Creating an Internet Centered on Human Needs
In an era where digital ecosystems often prioritize scalability over user experience, World Network’s chief architect shares insights on reimagining the internet with a human-centric approach. The discussion delves into the technical and philosophical frameworks required to build a more inclusive, privacy-focused, and ethically designed online infrastructure. Key themes include decentralized governance, user sovereignty over data, and the integration of emerging technologies like zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and decentralized identity solutions (DIDs) to empower individuals. The architect also highlights the role of tokenomics (e.g., BNB-backed incentives) and community-driven protocols in aligning network growth with human values, aiming to set a new ATH (all-time high) for equitable digital participation.
How do you envision World ID working alongside national identity systems and government infrastructure?
We’re in active conversations with several governments about integrating their national ID systems with World ID. These discussions are still early, but we’ve had productive exchanges with countries like Malaysia and others.
Governments are interested in World ID for regulatory compliance, allowing businesses to verify attributes like age without collecting personal data. They’re also interested in fraud prevention – since World ID determines global uniqueness, it can help detect duplicate identities in benefit programs, verifying uniqueness across millions rapidly.
Additionally, governments want their citizens to access global services without disclosing sensitive information. With World ID, citizens could prove qualifications without revealing citizenship status or ID details, enabling privacy-preserving access to international services.
Some people express concerns about biometric data security. How does World ID address these concerns and protect user privacy?It’s understandable that people fear what they don’t fully understand. The Orb is essentially a high-resolution camera that takes a photo—nothing more—and that image is immediately handed back to the user.
We’ve taken two major steps to ensure privacy and security. First, all data is encrypted using the strongest methods available. Second, the data is split across multiple parties using secure multi-party computation, meaning no single entity—not even us—has full access to your biometric data.
Compare that to when you enter a theme park where they take your photo. You have no idea where that image goes or how it’s stored. Our system is far more secure and privacy-preserving.
World ID follows a different data philosophy aligned with Web3 values. You control your data. This isn’t about surveillance—it’s simply about verifying you’re human.
With your experience across both Web2 and Web3 environments, how would you describe World’s unique approach to privacy?World is being built as a protocol, with decentralization and openness at its core. Privacy and security are baked into the design, regardless of who’s operating it.
Our standard is: “If someone I don’t trust were to deploy this protocol, could I still trust the system?” The answer must be yes. That’s the only way to build global infrastructure.
Take the Orb—we manufacture it now, but future manufacturers will enter the space. As a user, I shouldn’t have to trust each manufacturer individually. I should only need to trust the underlying cryptography and protocol.
That’s the Web3 approach—trust in code, not intermediaries. Web2 companies operate in a centralized model, where users must trust the entity operating the platform.
