In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the intersection of technology and finance, the Sam Altman-backed World project has officially launched its operations in six major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. As of May 1, 2025, users in these cities can begin to claim their WLD tokens by utilizing the innovative iris-scanning technology at designated locations.
The World project encourages users to download the World App, verify their identity, and scan their irises at special Orbs, which are powered by NVIDIA. Additional partnership locations include popular retail spots such as Razer stores scattered across the U.S., enhancing accessibility for users who wish to join this revolutionary platform.
Despite its promising technology, the project has faced scrutiny due to privacy concerns surrounding its collection and storage of personal biometric data. Countries like Brazil and Hong Kong have raised red flags, leading the World project to implement significant changes to alleviate these fears. Notably, users will now be empowered to delete their unique iris codes permanently, thus effectively “un-verifying” their World IDs. This move aims to restore user confidence and ensure that privacy remains a top priority.
Additionally, the World project boasts a feature called Personal Custody, which ensures that users maintain complete control over their personal data. The project assures that all information will be stored solely on the user’s device without ever transferring data to external servers or third parties. In their words, “Advanced cryptographic systems – including Anonymized Multi-Party Computation and zero-knowledge proofs – ensure that your data and actions remain private while your humanity is verified.”
Another significant announcement accompanying this launch is the impending release of the World Card, a debit card developed in partnership with Visa. This innovative card will allow users to spend their WLD tokens at any merchant that accepts Visa payments. The integration of this card simplifies transactions, allowing users to enjoy their crypto rewards without the hassle of converting tokens into fiat currency. Merchants will receive payments in traditional currencies, streamlining the payment process.
As the token WLD gains traction, it has seen fluctuations in its market value. Currently valued at approximately $1.05, WLD has experienced a slight decline of 2.33% in the last 24 hours after reaching a daily high of $1.17. Despite this, its market cap remains robust at nearly $1.4 billion, marking a 23.59% increase within the past week.
As this project unfolds, the convergence of technology and finance through iris verification and new payment methods is sure to set a precedent in the cryptocurrency landscape. With a focus on user privacy and financial flexibility, the World project by Sam Altman is positioning itself as a pioneering force in the digital economy.
