Worldcoin's U.S. Launch: Sam Altman's Vision for Biometric Identity Verification and Digital Currency Integration

On April 30, 2025, Sam Altman's digital identity initiative, World—formerly known as Worldcoin—officially launched its services in the United States, marking a significant expansion of its biometric verification platform. The rollout introduces the company's iris-scanning technology and associated cryptocurrency, WLD, to six major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.​

Expansion and Technology

At the core of World’s system is the “Orb,” a spherical device designed to scan users' irises to create a unique digital identity, known as World ID. This biometric verification aims to distinguish humans from AI entities in an increasingly digital world. To facilitate broader adoption, World unveiled the “Orb Mini,” a more portable version of its original device, intended to make the identity verification process more accessible.​

World App and Ecosystem

Complementing the hardware is the World App, which serves as a digital wallet and access point to various services.Users who verify their identity through an Orb receive WLD tokens—16 WLD for new users and a “pioneer grant” of 150 WLD for early adopters in the U.S. The app also integrates features such as messaging, cryptocurrency transactions, and mini-apps from partners like Stripe, Match Group, and Razer.​

Strategic Partnerships and Financial Tools

World has announced a partnership with Visa to launch a debit card that allows users to convert WLD tokens into fiat currency, facilitating everyday transactions. Additionally, the platform is integrating with services like Kalshi for prediction markets and Morpho for decentralized lending, expanding its financial ecosystem.​

Privacy and Regulatory Considerations

Despite its innovative approach, World faces scrutiny over privacy concerns related to biometric data collection. While the company asserts that iris scans are anonymized, regulatory challenges have arisen in countries like Spain, France, and South Korea, leading to suspensions or investigations. In the U.S., the project has gained momentum amid a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment, though it remains unavailable in New York due to state-specific regulations.​

Future Outlook

World aims to deploy 7,500 Orbs across the U.S. by the end of the year and is constructing a manufacturing facility in Richardson, Texas, to support this expansion. The company envisions its technology as foundational for digital identity verification, particularly as AI continues to evolve. With 12 million users already verified globally, World is positioning itself at the intersection of biometric authentication and decentralized finance.​

As World navigates the complexities of privacy, regulation, and technological adoption, its U.S. launch represents a significant step toward redefining digital identity in the age of AI.​