Sam Altman's digital identity crypto project World launches in the US
01/05/2025 | Financial Times
World, formerly known as Worldcoin, the digital identity and crypto project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has officially launched in the United States, introducing its iris-scanning technology and associated cryptocurrency token to the American market. The move coincides with a more receptive stance towards digital assets under Donald Trump's administration, marking a strategic shift for the company, which initially focused its rollout outside the US due to a less favourable attitude towards crypto from the Joe Biden administration. Altman had previously expressed disappointment that the US was not part of the initial launch.
The core argument behind World's technology is the growing need to distinguish humans from increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI). To achieve this aim in the US, the company plans to deploy approximately 10,000 orbs within the next year, a significant increase from its current global supply and is establishing a new manufacturing facility in Texas.
The article also reveals World has announced a partnership with Match Group to implement its verification technology on dating apps like Tinder. The company's representatives suggest that World's technology could extend to various government and community services, as well as enhance trust and safety on social media platforms. In addition, OpenAI is reportedly developing its own social network.
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