Big news from the frontier of digital ID and crypto: Sam Altman’s much-talked-about iris-scanning project, World, has officially landed in the U.S.
Starting this week, users in Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco can scan their eyes at a "World Orb" and instantly receive 16 WLD tokens. If you're already on the World app, you're in luck — the Pioneer Grant gives you 150 WLD just for being early.
Why it matters:
This marks the first U.S. rollout of Worldcoin, after years of international-only access. Regulatory and privacy hurdles delayed the launch, thanks to concerns around biometric data collection. Now, with safeguards in place, World is ready to bring decentralized identity to the mainstream.
How it works:
Step up to a "World Orb"
In 30 seconds, it scans your face + iris
You get a unique "IrisCode" (no duplicates!)
Receive WLD tokens into your World app wallet
Use, trade, or send them — even via encrypted chat in-app
But that’s not all...
World x Visa: A new debit card lets you spend WLD like fiat at checkout
World Wallet: Over 150 mini-apps incoming, including Kalshi (predictions), Match Group (Tinder), and Razer (gaming) integrations
Stripe Integration: Bridging Web3 with traditional payments
Portable Orb Mini units are also launching — compact devices for easier, widespread onboarding.
Founded in 2019 by Sam Altman, World (formerly Worldcoin) aims to solve one of the internet’s biggest problems: identity fraud and bots. By linking a real, unique human to a digital ID using zero-knowledge tech, World wants to create a safer, decentralized web.
The takeaway?
World is no longer just a headline — it's happening. With real tokens, real utility, and real partnerships. If you're in a launch city, it's time to verify your World ID and claim your WLD.