World, the biometric ID verification initiative co-founded by Sam Altman, has unveiled the latest iteration of its app, introducing a suite of innovative features designed to enhance user experience and security. Among these updates are an encrypted chat integration and an expanded functionality for sending and requesting cryptocurrency, reminiscent of popular platforms like Venmo.
Innovative Features and User Engagement
Founded by Tools for Humanity in 2019, World initially launched its app in 2023 with the vision of combating the rise of AI-generated digital impersonations. The company aims to establish digital “proof of human” tools that effectively distinguish between genuine users and bots.
During a recent gathering at World’s San Francisco headquarters, Altman and co-founder and CEO Alex Blania presented the new app version, affectionately referred to as a “super app.” Altman reflected on the origins of World, noting that discussions with Blania about the necessity for a new economic model, grounded in web3 principles, inspired the project. “It’s really hard to both identify unique people and do that in a privacy-preserving way,” he remarked.
The newly introduced World Chat messenger is a pivotal feature aimed at addressing this challenge. Utilizing end-to-end encryption comparable to that of Signal, the app ensures the privacy of user conversations. Additionally, it employs color-coded speech bubbles to indicate whether a contact has been verified by World’s system, thereby encouraging users to engage in the verification process. Initially launched in beta in March, this feature has been well-received.
Another significant enhancement is the app’s expanded digital payment system, which now allows users to send and receive cryptocurrency. While the World app has functioned as a digital wallet for some time, the latest version offers broader capabilities. Users can receive paychecks directly into their World App accounts and make deposits from their bank accounts, which can subsequently be converted into cryptocurrency. Notably, verification by World’s authentication system is not a prerequisite for utilizing these features.
Tiago Sada, World’s chief product officer, emphasized the motivation behind the chat feature, stating, “What we kept hearing from people is that they wanted a more social World app.” He described World Chat as a secure platform for communication, akin to WhatsApp or Telegram, yet fortified with the encryption standards of Signal. “It took a lot of work to make this feature-rich messenger,” Sada added.
World employs a distinctive authentication method where individuals can have their irises scanned at company locations using the Orb, a sophisticated verification device. This process converts the iris into a unique and encrypted digital code, resulting in a verified World ID that facilitates interaction within the World ecosystem.
The introduction of more socially-oriented features is a strategic move to foster broader adoption of the app, a critical objective given the challenges associated with scaling verification. Altman has expressed aspirations to scan a billion individuals’ eyes, yet Tools for Humanity reports having scanned fewer than 20 million to date.
Recognizing that the prospect of standing in line for an iris scan may deter potential users, the company has been working to streamline its verification process. In April, Tools for Humanity announced the launch of Orb Minis—hand-held devices that enable users to scan their own eyes from the comfort of their homes. Blania has indicated that the company envisions transforming the Orb Minis into mobile point-of-sale devices or licensing its ID sensor technology to manufacturers. Such advancements could significantly lower the barriers to verification, potentially leading to greater adoption of the platform.
