World Advances Blockchain Technology Amid Rapid Network Growth

World, previously known as Worldcoin, has disclosed significant progress in 2024. The project's network expanded rapidly, reaching over 20 million participants. This included 10 million verified human users, further cementing World's role in establishing a global digital identity.

In a 2024 summary published on the World.org blog, the team highlighted key developments throughout the year. Among them was the introduction of the Nvidia-powered Orb for identity verification, World App 3.0 with Mini Apps, and World ID 3.0, which brought improvements in privacy and credential handling. The blog also noted that the "New World" event in San Francisco in October marked the official rebranding from Worldcoin to World, captivating both live attendees and online viewers.

Earlier in the year, World unveiled its Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) protocol, which was described as a step forward for digital privacy. The technology encrypted and fragmented user data, aiming to protect anonymity and enabling the deletion of outdated iris codes. According to the blog, 2024 also saw the development of Anonymized Multi-Party Computation (AMPC), which aimed to further restrict access to fragmented sensitive data.

In April, the project announced World Chain, a layer two (L2) blockchain designed to reduce costs and enhance transaction speeds. By October, the blockchain had officially launched, incorporating "priority blockspace for humans," a feature intended to streamline transactions for verified users. This focus on simplified transactions aligns with the project's stated objective of prioritizing community needs.

Throughout the year, World expanded its global footprint through verification campaigns in various nations, including Austria, Brazil, and Malaysia. The addition of Mini Apps within the World App reportedly boosted daily engagement, which the project highlighted as a testament to its utility and growth. As these developments set the stage for 2025, questions remain about the broader implications of World's role in blockchain technology and digital identity initiatives.

Nation-State Inquiries into World's Practices

2024 also brought increased regulatory scrutiny, with authorities in multiple nations examining the project's handling of biometric data, privacy safeguards, and legal compliance. In Kenya, the National Assembly found World to be in violation of local statutes, including the Data Protection Act of 2019, following the suspension of activities in 2023. However, in July 2024, Kenyan police announced the conclusion of their investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner launched an investigation in January into the project's iris-scanning practices, later concluding a breach of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and issuing an enforcement directive to cease operations. In Spain, regulators compelled World to halt biometric data collection and erase previously gathered information under GDPR guidelines. Similar privacy-focused investigations persisted in France and Germany, while Colombia began evaluating data management practices and South Korea imposed penalties in September for regulatory infractions.

World's developments in 2024 showcased its ambition to reshape digital identity and blockchain technology. However, as milestones intersected with government scrutiny, the project's path forward highlighted the delicate balance between innovation and regulation. Its ability to address compliance and safeguard user trust will likely define its impact, serving as a litmus test for how blockchain initiatives can navigate global oversight and scale responsibly with user data.