Worldcoin Rebrands to "World" and Expands to Six Major U.S. Cities Amid Nationwide Rollout

Worldcoin, the ambitious digital identity and cryptocurrency project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is now operating under the new name “World” as it launches in six major U.S. cities. This move marks a key step in the project’s broader mission to help differentiate humans from artificial intelligence in an increasingly automated digital world.

Worldcoin Launches in Atlanta, Austin, LA, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco

As part of its expansion, World has introduced its signature “Orbs”—spherical biometric devices that scan users’ irises—in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. Individuals who undergo an iris scan at one of these sites are rewarded with 16 WLD tokens as a sign-up incentive.

Early participants who previously registered through the World App are also eligible for “pioneer grants” of 150 WLD tokens, a special bonus for users who joined before the official U.S. launch.

Scaling Operations with U.S.-Based Orb Manufacturing

To support its growing network, World plans to deploy 7,500 Orbs across the U.S. by the end of 2025. These devices will be produced at a newly established manufacturing facility in Richardson, Texas, ensuring a more secure and domestic supply chain.

Expanded Features and New Industry Partnerships

World’s mobile app has been significantly upgraded, transforming it from a basic identity verification tool into a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Key features now include access to crypto-backed loans via Morpho and participation in decentralized prediction markets powered by Kalshi.

One of the most notable updates is the launch of a Visa-integrated debit card, which enables users to seamlessly convert their WLD tokens into traditional fiat currency for everyday purchases. This partnership with Visa was announced during the recent “At Last” press event in San Francisco.

Global Collaborations: From Dating Apps to Gaming

World is also forming strategic alliances to expand the real-world applications of its identity technology. In Japan, the company is collaborating with Match Group to pilot age verification tools on dating platforms such as Tinder. Meanwhile, a partnership with gaming giant Razer aims to use World ID for player authentication and enhanced account security.

The World App now features over 150 mini-apps, and further integrations are underway with platforms like Stripe, Match Group, and Razer, extending the reach and utility of World ID across industries.

Addressing Privacy and Legal Concerns

Despite reaching over 12 million verified users in more than 100 countries, World continues to face scrutiny over how it handles biometric data. Critics have raised concerns about the potential misuse or hacking of sensitive personal information, even in anonymized form.

In response, World asserts that raw biometric data is never stored. Instead, the company uses advanced cryptographic techniques to protect users' unique identifiers and maintain privacy.

On the legal front, WLD tokens remain restricted in New York State due to unresolved regulatory concerns. However, World has benefited from a more favorable national climate as the current U.S. administration adopts a more relaxed stance toward crypto regulation.

Internationally, the biometric scanning technology has met resistance in some regions. Nevertheless, World has managed to verify millions of users worldwide through its Ethereum-based World Chain, positioning itself as a global identity network.

A Vision for the AI Age

Sam Altman envisions World as a solution to the growing “trust gap” in the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). He believes the project could serve not only as an identity verifier but also as a foundation for future economic models, such as a universal basic income, a financial safety net for those whose jobs may be disrupted by AI.

Since launching in 2023, WLD tokens have seen price volatility, with values dipping below their initial levels before the recent U.S. launch. As the project expands, its success will likely hinge on balancing innovation, user trust, and regulatory compliance in the evolving landscape of digital identity and cryptocurrency.