World Crypto Project Launches Eye-Scanning Orbs in Six US Cities

Sam Altman's digital identity project, World (formerly Worldcoin), has launched in six major U.S. cities, introducing its eye-scanning orbs that verify users as human to combat AI-driven fraud and bots. Those who scan their irises at World orbs receive Worldcoin (WLD) tokens and a blockchain-based ID, with plans to expand orb access nationwide by the end of the year. World is partnering with Visa to launch a debit card allowing users to spend WLD and other cryptocurrencies as fiat, and is piloting its ID verification with Match Group’s dating apps. The project also integrates with platforms like Minecraft, Reddit, and Discord, and enables features such as crypto-backed loans and prediction markets. Altman emphasizes the need for reliable human authentication as AI becomes more prevalent, and envisions World ID as a way to distinguish human-generated content online. Despite initial gains, the WLD token's price dropped after the launch announcement.