Sam Altman’s World Through Eye Scan, Encrypted Rewards and Tinder Pilot Launch
Sam Altman’s Human Identity Project (called the World) linked to cryptocurrency is starting its U.S. expansion with new features that integrate payment and digital identity capabilities.
The program was originally launched internationally and now debuts in six major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville and San Francisco.
Crypto payment integration and new partnerships aim to expand use cases
The world allows users to receive WLD tokens in exchange for another sentence of verifying their identity through the world ID. Developed by human tools, the initiative was co-founded by Altman and CEO Alex Blania, to build personality proofs amid increasing focus on the identities generated by AI.
The timing of the U.S. launch coincides with a broader policy shift under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has taken a more favorable stance on crypto-related businesses.
As part of its domestic promotion, the world has announced plans to launch a visa card later this year, which will allow users to spend WLD tokens and other cryptocurrencies on any merchant who accepts visas. The card will be directly linked to the user’s World App Wallet.
According to the project, the integration will allow crypto expenditures to be eliminated from merchants’ processing of digital assets, as transactions will be automatically converted to fiat currencies at the point of sale.
Meanwhile, World has partnered 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 person they interact with is a real individual.
The company believes that the aim is to increase authenticity in digital interactions, especially in spaces where fake profiles are common.
The extension also includes a new feature that connects directly to the Kalshi Prediction Market from the Kalshi Prediction Market within the world through the newly added Kalshi Mini app. This allows users to participate in predicted events based on their verified human identity.
Technology expansion and expansion plans are underway
The company will also continue to explore hardware-based human verification methods. Since its global debut in 2023, World has relied on a professional biometric device called Orb to confirm the humanity of users through IRIS scans.
The company insists that it does not store user biometric data, but uses that information only to confirm personality. Plans are being made to launch a smaller device, “Mini ORB,” which will be onboarding faster and scalable as the company pursues a billion-dollar user base.
To support growth in new areas, World has also partnered with gaming brand Razer to introduce human verification tools in Razer’s physical store. These services are designed to allow gamers to verify whether they compete with human opponents online.
With over 26 million world app users and approximately 12 million confirmed as “unique people”, the project continues to expand its utility in digital identity, payments and Web3 user verification.
The launch in the world marks an important milestone in promoting how online platforms can differentiate between humans and AI-driven agents worldwide.
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