World Network, originally launched as Worldcoin by OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, has gained notoriety for its use of a distinctive metal orb to perform biometric scans of users’ irises. This technology underpins its identity verification system, which issues digital passports to help online platforms distinguish humans from bots in an increasingly AI-dominated internet.
In contrast, Y aims to sidestep the ethical and privacy concerns associated with biometric data collection. Instead of scanning users’ irises, Y plans to leverage online activity patterns to verify human identities. According to an internal planning document obtained by media outlets, this approach prioritizes user privacy while reducing fraud.
The document, titled “Y vs. WorldCoin,” outlines how the new platform will position itself against World Network by highlighting the latter’s controversies. These include:
The project is reportedly being backed by Cyber Fund, the venture firm co-founded by Konstantin Lomashuk and Vasiliy Shapovalov, both key figures behind Lido. While Cyber Fund has not provided official comments, a person close to the firm confirmed the authenticity of the internal document.
Additionally, Ekram Ahmed, head of marketing and communications for blockchain infrastructure project Celestia, has joined Y as an advisor. Ahmed clarified that while he is advising Y, the project is not formally affiliated with Celestia.
Rather than relying on physical biometric scans, Y proposes a system that authenticates users based on the digital traces they leave during their everyday online activities. This method aligns with blockchain’s principles of decentralization and privacy, offering a transparent and secure identity system without exposing users to the risks associated with sensitive biometric data.