Worldcoin Launches Iris-Scanning Initiative in U.S. Amid Policy Shift, WLD Token Surges 111%

Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has officially launched its iris-scanning initiative in several U.S. cities. The project, now rebranded as “World,” invites users to verify their humanity by scanning their irises through a biometric orb in exchange for WLD tokens. Cities like Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco are among the first to welcome the World orb experience, marking a significant step in the convergence of biometric identity and decentralized finance.

This launch comes amid a notable shift in the United States’ stance on cryptocurrency under President Donald Trump’s administration. The regulatory environment has transitioned from caution to broader acceptance, facilitating the entry of projects like Worldcoin that were previously hindered by regulatory hurdles during the Biden era. The project’s leaders, Sam Altman and Tools for Humanity CEO Alex Blania, have expressed hope that the U.S. will take steps to allow more people to benefit from both the digital identity (World ID) and the digital currency (WLD).

Observers believe that the recent comments from Altman and Blania indicate a contrast between the stringent regulatory approach under President Biden and SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and the more favorable environment under Trump’s leadership. This policy reversal has encouraged major crypto firms like OKX and Nexo to reestablish operations in the U.S., signaling a broader return of crypto companies that were previously pushed out by regulatory pressure.

With its U.S. debut, Worldcoin now stands at a critical inflection point. While the project has only verified around 12 million individuals globally, Blania envisions onboarding billions through its iris-scanning initiative. The market response to this expansion has been positive, with Worldcoin’s WLD token surging over 111% since the start of April. This surge is fueled by renewed institutional and whale interest, with the token trading at $1.08 at press time. The continued momentum of WLD suggests growing public alignment with the project’s vision in this new regulatory era.

However, whether this expansion will entice American users remains to be seen. The project’s success will depend on its ability to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and gain widespread adoption among U.S. users. Despite the uncertainties, the launch of Worldcoin in the U.S. marks a significant milestone in the development of biometric identity and decentralized finance, and its impact on the crypto market will be closely watched in the coming months.