Worldcoin has been hogging all the limelight since its launch last week with people rushing to scan their irises with a shiny orb. While crypto tokens is just one aspect, the company has a higher goal. The social goal of providing universal basic income to people living in a dystopian world where AI will kill jobs is one of the driving forces for Worldcoin to operate. And, to make it feasible, an identifier to prove that you are a human will become a necessity — a proof of personhood of sorts.
While the thought may seem futuristic, Worldcoin is not the only company doling out a digital passport-kind human identifier. Here is a list of companies that provide the proof of personhood through either a social-graph-based method or via biometrics.
Proof of Humanity
A decentralised identity project built on Ethereum blockchain, the project aims to establish a global, Sybil-resistant (preventing the creation of multiple fake identities by a single entity) identity system that combines the process of social verification through video submissions where individuals will verify their identity. It can be used as a point-of-entry for cases where individuals need to prove they are real humans and not bots. It can also be plugged into a variety of applications that would require such forms of identity systems.
BrightID
BrightID is a private, decentralised open source technology that helps with identity verification. It uses a social graph without storing personal information and enables fair access to apps with just one account. The company believes in growing a ‘free and democratic society’ while protecting one’s privacy.
Rollup Id
Since the launch of Worldcoin, the company has been vocal about calling themselves as a ‘compelling alternative’ to Worldcoin. Rollup ID that helps create digital identity — a digital passport of sorts for an individual, allows applications to customise the platform to their specific needs. The platform provides a range of programming language support for integrating with other applications including OpenID Connect (OIDC) and OAuth2 protocols. Rollup ID does not use biometrics for verification and empowers users to control their online identities.
Idena
Idena is a proof-of-person blockchain where every node is connected to a crypto identity that represents a single individual who possesses equal voting power making it a decentralised blockchain in all forms. To prove one’s identity, there is no requirement for revealing any personal information including KYC procedures. With privacy-focussed attitude, the company ensures data remains secure when participating in the Idena ecosystem.
Gitcoin Passport
Gitcoin passport is an app built on Ceramic network (decentralised, open-source protocol). It brings together identity confirmations called ‘stamps’ from regular websites (Web2) and blockchain-based services (Web3). These stamps can be obtained by linking accounts to the Gitcoin passport system and connecting this ‘passport’ to various apps and communities. The system also does not save any personal information .
Circle
Built by Circle, Verite is a free and open-source system that allows identity claims to be verified in Web3 without revealing personal information. Web applications, mobile apps, and smart contracts can easily confirm the identity of participants using Verite credentials. Verite credentials are stored in a secure crypto wallet and individuals can have control over how their identity attributes are shared. It is decentralised with no single entity having authority over usage or development.
