Fast Facts
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Launch in the U.S.: Sam Altman’s World has begun its U.S. rollout, aiming to deploy 7,500 eye-scanning orbs in cities like Atlanta, Austin, and San Francisco by year-end.
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New Features: The platform’s expansion includes access to crypto-backed loans and prediction markets, along with a planned Visa card for transactions using WLD tokens.
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Partnerships and Identity Verification: World has partnered with Match Group for a Japan pilot, allowing Tinder users to verify age with World ID, amid a broader focus on distinguishing humans from AI online.
- Privacy Challenges: Despite claims of non-storage of biometric data, World faces regulatory scrutiny and criticism globally, including investigations and operational restrictions in various countries due to privacy concerns.
Sam Altman’s World Launches in Six U.S. Cities
Sam Altman’s World has officially launched in the United States. The project aims to deploy 7,500 eye-scanning orbs across six cities by year’s end. This expansion highlights key innovation hubs: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
Residents in these cities can use Orb technology to verify their identity. In return, they will receive WLD tokens, essential for creating a World ID. This ID helps distinguish real humans from AI and digital bots. Altman explained the importance of this system during a San Francisco press conference.
"We wanted a way to ensure humans remain central in an internet filled with AI-driven content," he said.
World also introduced new features with the U.S. launch. Users can now access crypto-backed loans through the lending platform Morpho. Additionally, they can engage in prediction markets via Kalshi. Later, the company will roll out a Visa card, allowing users to pay for daily expenses with WLD tokens and other digital assets.
The project is branching into online dating as well. It announced a partnership with Match Group to use World ID for age verification on popular platforms like Tinder and Hinge. This pilot will first launch in Japan.
Despite its innovations, World faces privacy and regulatory scrutiny. Currently, the orbs scan users’ irises to confirm identity, with the company claiming the biometric data is not stored. Nevertheless, privacy advocates remain concerned about potential misuse.
World has faced challenges with regulators globally. In Kenya, authorities have conducted raids, and operations in Hong Kong faced suspension over privacy violations. In Germany, officials ordered the deletion of biometric data, citing GDPR concerns—a ruling the company is appealing. Meanwhile, in Brazil, World operates under public education even amidst regulatory limitations.
In Singapore, an investigation continues into allegations of account sales, raising alarms over possible money laundering.
As World expands, it marks a significant step in technology development. Its initiatives not only emphasize identity verification but also explore blockchain’s potential in everyday life.
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