The Worldcoin Foundation has introduced the upcoming World Chain, which aims to improve user interactions with blockchain technology by prioritizing block space and gas allowances for verified human users. This design focuses on enhancing scalability and efficiency for everyday applications.

The foundation plans for World Chain to serve up to 1 billion users, utilizing infrastructure based on Optimism’s OP stack. A blog post by the foundation noted that World Chain seeks to address common blockchain inefficiencies, often worsened by bot-driven transactions.

Bots are estimated to generate up to 80% of blockchain activity, causing network congestion and increased fees. World Chain’s integration with World ID will enable users to confirm their identities anonymously using zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring prioritized service and gas without compromising privacy. This system aims to optimize transactions and balance the load from bots and large users, supported initially by funding from the Worldcoin Foundation. Additionally, developers will benefit from the Worldcoin Community Grants and collaborative initiatives led by the foundation.

The foundation announced that a developer preview of World Chain is expected soon, with a full launch planned for later this summer. Following the announcement, Worldcoin’s native token, WLD, rose by 3%, despite a broader market downturn on April 17. However, WLD has dropped 25.9% against the U.S. dollar this week and is 46% below its value from the past 30 days. Around 16.4% of WLD transactions involve the South Korean won, and WLD is trading at a premium on Bithumb. While the global average price is $4.80 per WLD, it trades for $5.21 per unit in South Korea.