Sam Altman Rolls Out Iris-Scanning Crypto Project World in the US

Sam Altman’s iris-scanning crypto venture, World, announced Wednesday that it’s finally launching in the US, making its highly anticipated debut.

Starting this week, people across several US cities can now scan their eyes at World orbs and receive Worldcoin (WLD), a cryptocurrency backed by blockchain, for the first time.

For years, Worldcoin has been available in select international markets, but it was notably absent from the US until now. The delay stemmed from regulatory hurdles and privacy concerns surrounding the collection of biometric data.

The project’s reliance on iris scans 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.

World is live in the USA. Verify your World ID in six key cities now. pic.twitter.com/cju65pn7L7

— World (@worldcoin) May 1, 2025

World Offers 16 WLD for Eye Scans and 150 WLD Pioneer Grant

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.

In addition to its app, World is taking another big step to bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance. It’s partnering with Visa to launch a debit card that will convert WLD into fiat currency at checkout, a move that will make the cryptocurrency much more practical for everyday use.

Iris-Scanning Process Takes 30 Seconds, Creating a Unique ID to Prevent Duplicate Registrations

The iris-scanning process is simple but 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. The orbs will be accessible at various physical locations throughout the US, including Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami and San Francisco.

The company has also rolled out a smaller version of the orb, the “orb mini,” which is more portable and resembles a smartphone.

Integrations with Platforms Like Stripe and Razer

Along with the debit card, the World wallet app will expand, offering 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 also integrate Worldcoin into more platforms and services, broadening its use.

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.