World, the eye-scanning identity verification system backed by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, unveiled its upgraded application on Thursday with encrypted messaging and enhanced cryptocurrency payment features. The platform aims to distinguish real humans from AI-generated fakes through biometric authentication.
In a significant development for digital identity verification, World has rolled out an upgraded version of its application, introducing features designed to bolster user security and enhance the overall experience. The platform, which has garnered attention for its innovative approach to distinguishing genuine users from AI-generated entities, now includes encrypted messaging and advanced cryptocurrency payment functionalities.
Key Takeaways:
- World Chat introduces Signal-level encryption with color-coded verification badges to confirm user identity.
- Users can now receive paychecks and bank deposits directly into the app, then convert funds to cryptocurrency.
- The company has verified under 20 million people but wants to reach one billion iris scans.
Launched by Tools for Humanity in 2019, the World app made its initial debut in 2023. At a recent event in San Francisco, Sam Altman, alongside co-founder Alex Blania, showcased what they refer to as a “super app.” During the presentation, they highlighted the platform’s evolution, which stems from a vision of creating an economic model grounded in web3 principles.
“It’s really hard to both identify unique people and do that in a privacy-preserving way,” Altman remarked, addressing the challenges inherent in digital identity verification.
World Chat is a direct response to these challenges, featuring a messaging system that employs end-to-end encryption, aligning with the security standards of established platforms like Signal. The introduction of color-coded message bubbles serves as a visual cue for users, indicating whether their contacts have completed biometric verification, thereby promoting a culture of identity authentication. The beta version of Chat was soft-launched in March, receiving positive feedback from early users.
The payment system has also seen notable enhancements. Previously functioning as a digital wallet, users can now link virtual bank accounts to receive direct deposits and paychecks, which can be seamlessly converted to cryptocurrency within the app. Notably, biometric verification is not mandatory for these payment features, simplifying the user experience.
Chief Product Officer Tiago Sada shared insights with TechCrunch, emphasizing that user feedback was instrumental in the addition of social features. “What we kept hearing from people is that they wanted a more social World app,” Sada explained, describing the goal of creating a feature-rich messenger akin to WhatsApp or Telegram, but fortified with the security of Signal.
World’s unique authentication process sets it apart in the digital landscape. Users visit designated locations where the Orb—a large spherical device—scans their iris patterns. This biometric data is transformed into encrypted digital codes, resulting in verified World IDs that unlock the platform’s myriad services.
As the company seeks to expand its user base, the integration of social features aligns with its growth strategy. However, scaling verification remains a formidable challenge; despite Altman’s ambitious target of one billion iris scans, Tools for Humanity has thus far verified fewer than 20 million individuals.
Recognizing the potential friction in the verification process, Tools for Humanity introduced Orb Minis in April—handheld devices that allow users to perform self-scans from the comfort of their homes. Blania has previously indicated that the company may explore converting Orb Minis into mobile payment terminals or licensing the sensor technology to device manufacturers, both of which could significantly lower verification barriers and accelerate user adoption.
Written by Alius Noreika
