In a move that could reshape the digital identity landscape, Sam Altman’s World crypto project is making its U.S. debut with ambitious plans to deploy 7,500 eye-scanning orbs across the nation by year-end. Initially targeting six major innovation hubs—Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco—these chrome, bowling ball-like devices aim to authenticate individuals through a unique iris scan, unlocking access to the World app and an airdrop of its native WLD token.
Eye-Scanning Orbs: The Future of Digital Identity?
The unveiling of World’s orbs comes at a pivotal time for the cryptocurrency industry, as digital identity verification becomes increasingly essential in an AI-driven world. At a press conference in San Francisco, Altman, alongside executives from World’s parent company, Tools for Humanity, introduced a slew of new collaborations and features set to enhance the project’s ecosystem. Among these are integrations with Morpho for crypto-backed loans and Kalshi for prediction markets—developments that could potentially broaden the utility of the World app beyond mere identity verification.
What sets World apart, however, is its ambitious foray into mainstream applications such as online dating. Starting with Tinder users in Japan, Match Group will pilot the use of World ID to verify user ages, illustrating the technology’s versatility and potential to cross industry boundaries. “We needed a way to ensure humans remain central in a world increasingly dominated by AI content,” Altman explained, reflecting on the project’s origins, which predate his renowned venture, OpenAI.
Navigating the Regulatory Terrain
The U.S. crypto landscape has transformed significantly in recent years, with a more welcoming regulatory environment fostering innovation. This climate has paved the way for projects like World to expand stateside. To support the expected demand, a manufacturing facility in Richardson, Texas, is underway, tasked with producing the orbs needed for the national rollout. Following the initial launch, additional cities such as Seattle, Orlando, San Diego, and Las Vegas are slated to receive these devices, making the technology accessible to millions more.
Alex Blania, co-founder of Tools for Humanity, envisioned a future where these orbs are ubiquitous. “They will really be everywhere,” he remarked, hinting at potential placements in everyday locations like gas stations and convenience stores. Within just ten minutes, users could verify their identity, streamlining access to the World network.
Despite its promising potential, the project has not been without its skeptics. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the implications of mass iris scanning, questioning the security of such sensitive biometric data. While World assures stringent security measures, the debate over privacy versus convenience continues to loom large.
Broader Market Implications
World’s expansion signifies more than just technological innovation; it marks a critical juncture for the crypto market itself. As digital currency adoption grows, the need for reliable identity verification becomes increasingly pronounced. World seeks to address this demand, albeit with a futuristic twist that has stirred both excitement and caution.
As these orbs prepare to dot the American landscape, questions linger about the long-term viability and acceptance of such technology. Will the convenience of iris-based authentication outweigh privacy concerns? Can World maintain user trust in an era rife with data security challenges? These are questions that only time—and market response—will answer.
In the meantime, the crypto community watches closely, eager to see how this bold venture unfolds. With its eye on the future and a foot firmly planted in the present, World is poised to challenge conventions and perhaps redefine what it means to be human in the digital age.
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This article is based on: Sam Altman’s World Crypto Project Launches in US With Eye-Scanning Orbs in 6 Cities
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
