Sam Altman’s iris-scanning cryptocurrency project, World, launched in the US on May 1, 2025, after years of operating in select international markets. The project, previously delayed by regulatory and privacy concerns over biometric data, now allows users in cities like Austin, Atlanta, and San Francisco to scan their irises at World orbs to receive 16 Worldcoin ($WLD
ens. Registered app users also get a 150 WLD “pioneer grant.” The scanning process, which takes 30 seconds, creates a unique IrisCode to prevent duplicate registrations. World is partnering with Visa for a debit card to convert WLD to fiat at checkout and with companies like Stripe and Razer to integrate WLD into various platforms. A portable “orb mini” and over 150 mini-apps, including one from Kalshi, enhance accessibility. Founded in 2019, World aims to build a decentralized identity system using blockchain to combat online fraud and bots. More US locations for scanning and claiming WLD will open soon.