Worldcoin Launches Iris-Scanning Crypto in US, Partners with Visa

Sam Altman’s iris-scanning crypto venture, World, has officially launched in the US, marking a significant milestone for the project. Starting this week, residents in several US cities can scan their eyes at World orbs to receive Worldcoin (WLD), a cryptocurrency backed by blockchain technology. This launch comes after years of availability in select international markets, with the delay attributed to regulatory hurdles and privacy concerns surrounding the collection of biometric data.

The project’s reliance on iris scans has raised questions about user privacy and data security, issues that had to be carefully addressed before launching in a market with strict data protection laws. The iris-scanning process is designed to be simple and effective. Users step up to a World orb, which scans their face and iris in about 30 seconds, creating a unique “IrisCode” to verify their identity. This code ensures that no one can register more than once, preventing duplicate registrations. The orbs will be accessible at various physical locations throughout the US, including Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, and San Francisco. Additionally, the company has introduced a smaller, more portable version of the orb, the “orb mini,” which resembles a smartphone.

World is not only launching its iris-scanning technology but also taking steps to bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance. The venture is partnering with Visa to launch a debit card that will convert WLD into fiat currency at checkout, making the cryptocurrency more practical for everyday use. This move is expected to enhance the usability of Worldcoin in daily transactions.

In addition to the debit card, the World wallet app will expand to offer over 150 mini-apps, including one from the prediction market Kalshi. Partnerships with companies like Stripe, Match Group (the parent of Tinder), and gaming platform Razer will integrate Worldcoin into more platforms and services, broadening its use. These integrations aim to create a more seamless and integrated digital ecosystem.

Altman co-founded World in 2019, initially under the name Worldcoin, with the goal of creating a decentralized global identity system. The idea was to use iris scans and blockchain technology to combat fraud and bots online. By providing users with a secure, verifiable identity, Worldcoin hopes to create a more trustworthy digital ecosystem. As more locations open across the US, people will have more opportunities to register and claim their free WLD tokens.

Anyone who scans their eyes at a World orb will receive 16 WLD, and those who’ve already registered with the World app will get a “pioneer grant” of 150 WLD. The cryptocurrency can be transferred and traded within the World wallet app, and users can send WLD or other digital currencies through a private chat service integrated into the app. This initiative is part of World’s broader strategy to make cryptocurrency more accessible and user-friendly.