The human identity verification project World, notably backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has commenced operations within the US, signaling a significant expansion.
This move into the US market coincides with what the original report described as a more receptive environment for cryptocurrency-related enterprises under the current administration.
WLD Token Rewards for Identity Verification
As part of its US rollout, individuals residing in initial launch cities—Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco—can now obtain WLD digital tokens upon successfully verifying their unique human identity and creating a World ID.
Tackling the Human vs. Bot Distinction
The world aims to tackle the increasingly critical challenge of distinguishing genuine humans from automated entities, such as AI-powered bots, online.
The project’s entry into the US is a major step for its global ambition.
While World is not alone in the digital identity space, Altman’s involvement lends it considerable prominence.
The initiative offers its native WLD tokens as an incentive for users completing the sign-up and verification process.
This practice has previously sparked discussions among data privacy groups during its international deployments.
Bridging Crypto and Everyday Spending: The World Visa Card
To enhance the utility of its ecosystem, the World has revealed plans for a branded Visa card.
Expected later this year in the US, this card will link to a user’s World App wallet, allowing them to utilize WLD and other digital currencies for purchases wherever Visa is accepted.
The design of the system ensures that merchants receive payments in standard fiat currency, thereby eliminating crypto handling complexities for businesses and providing asset flexibility to users.
Verifying Authenticity in Online Dating: Tinder Pilot
Furthermore, the World is exploring applications in online social interactions through a partnership with Match Group, the company overseeing popular dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Match.com.
An initial pilot program involving Tinder users in Japan aims to test methods for verifying that profiles belong to authentic individuals seeking genuine connections, addressing the need for greater trust and security in online dating.
Expanding Functionality: Kalshi Prediction Market Access
In another integration, users of the World App will gain access to the Kalshi platform for prediction markets via a new “Mini App” embedded within the World application.
Current Reach and Verification Methods
Currently boasting around 26 million World App users globally, the project identifies approximately 12 million of these as verified “unique humans,” according to its website data.
Branded as “the real human network,” World (formerly known as Worldcoin) presently uses distinctive silver Orbs to perform iris scans for identity verification.
The project states it utilizes this biometric data solely to confirm humanness and uniqueness without long-term storage, aiming to alleviate potential privacy concerns.
Scaling Ambitions and Strategic Partnerships
Looking forward, World intends to deploy a smaller “mini-Orb” device to facilitate more rapid expansion toward a stated goal of reaching one billion verified users.
An existing collaboration with gaming company Razer seeks to assure gamers of the human authenticity of their online opponents, with verification services planned for availability at Razer’s physical retail stores.
Project Leadership and Development
Sam Altman and Alex Blania, the CEO of Tools for Humanity, spearhead the development of the World project, which officially launches in 2023.
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