Sam Altman’s crypto-linked human identity project, known as World, is beginning its US expansion with new features that integrate both payment and digital identity capabilities.
Initially launched internationally, the initiative is now debuting in six major US cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
Crypto Payment Integrations and New Partnerships Aim to Broaden Use Cases
World enables users to receive WLD tokens in exchange for verifying their identity through a World ID. The initiative, developed by Tools for Humanity and co-founded by Altman and CEO Alex Blania, aims to establish proof-of-personhood amid growing concerns around AI-generated identities.
The timing of the US launch aligns with broader policy shifts under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has taken a more favorable stance toward crypto-related businesses.
As part of its domestic rollout, World announced plans to introduce a Visa card later this year that will allow users to spend WLD tokens and other cryptocurrencies at any merchant accepting Visa. The card will be directly linked to users’ World App wallets.
According to the project, this integration will enable crypto spending without requiring merchants to handle digital assets, as transactions will automatically convert to fiat currency at the point of sale.
In parallel, World is partnering with Match Group, the parent company behind popular dating platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, and Match.com. The collaboration will begin with a pilot program on Tinder in Japan, where users can verify that the people they interact with are real individuals.
According to the company, the objective is to increase authenticity in digital interactions, particularly in spaces where fake profiles are common.
The expansion also includes a new feature that connects users to the Kalshi prediction marketplace directly from within the World App via a newly added Kalshi Mini App. This allows users to participate in forecasting events based on verified human identities.
Technology Expansion and Scaling Plans Underway
The company is also continuing to explore hardware-based human verification methods. Since its global debut in 2023, World has relied on specialized biometric devices called Orbs to confirm a user’s humanity via iris scans.
The firm maintains that it does not store users’ biometric data but uses the information solely to confirm personhood. Plans are underway to introduce a smaller device, the “mini-Orb,” which would enable faster onboarding and scalability as the company pursues a user base of 1 billion.
To support growth in new sectors, World is also partnering with gaming brand Razer to introduce human verification tools in Razer’s physical stores. These services aim to allow gamers to verify whether they’re playing against human opponents online.
With over 26 million World App users and roughly 12 million confirmed as “unique humans,” the project continues to expand its utility in digital identity, payments, and Web3 user verification.
World’s US rollout marks a significant milestone in its global push to redefine how online platforms differentiate between humans and AI-driven agents.
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