World, the biometric identity verification project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has launched the latest version of its mobile application, introducing a range of new features that developers are calling a "super app." These significant updates include an encrypted chat service and expanded cryptocurrency payment capabilities, designed to function similarly to Venmo.
Created by the startup Tools for Humanity in 2019, World initially launched its app in 2023. The company states its core mission is to combat the rising tide of AI-generated digital fakery by developing "proof of human" tools that can reliably differentiate between humans and bots online.
A Vision for a New Digital Economy
At a recent gathering at World's San Francisco headquarters, Altman and World co-founder and CEO Alex Blania introduced the updated app. Altman elaborated on the foundational concept behind World, explaining that it emerged from discussions with Blania about the necessity for a novel economic model rooted in web3 principles. This model, he noted, is what World aims to achieve through its unique verification network.
“It’s really hard to both identify unique people and do that in a privacy-preserving way,” said Altman.
The product team then delved into the specifics of the new features, highlighting how they contribute to this overarching vision.
Secure Communication with World Chat
Addressing the challenge of privacy-preserving identity, World Chat, the app's new messenger service, employs end-to-end encryption, offering a level of security comparable to Signal, a leading privacy-focused messaging app. A distinctive feature of World Chat is its use of color-coded speech bubbles, which visually indicate whether a contact has been verified by World's system. This mechanism is designed to encourage verification, empowering users with the confidence that they are communicating with genuine individuals.
World Chat was initially launched in beta in March, laying the groundwork for this full release.
Expanded Crypto Payments and Financial Integration
Another significant update is the enhancement of World's digital payment system, enabling users to send and receive cryptocurrency with greater ease. While the World app has long served as a digital wallet, this latest version introduces more comprehensive financial functionalities. Users can now leverage virtual bank accounts to receive paychecks directly into the World App and make deposits from traditional bank accounts, with the option to convert these funds into cryptocurrency. Notably, these payment features do not require World's biometric authentication, making them accessible to a wider user base.
Tiago Sada, World's Chief Product Officer, explained that the integration of chat features was a direct response to user demand for a more interactive experience. "What we kept hearing from people is that they wanted a more social World app," Sada told TechCrunch. He emphasized that World Chat was developed to meet this need, offering a secure communication platform.
“It took a lot of work to make this feature-rich messenger that is similar to a WhatsApp or a Telegram, but with encryption and security of something that is a lot closer to Signal,” Sada added.
The Core: Biometric Identity Verification
At the heart of World's ecosystem lies its distinctive authentication process. Originally known as Worldcoin, the project requires individuals to have their irises scanned by a specialized device called the "Orb" at designated company locations. This large verification device converts a person's iris pattern into a unique, encrypted digital code. This code forms the basis of a verified World ID, which users can then utilize to access and interact with World's suite of services within the app.
Scaling Adoption and Future Ambitions
The introduction of more social-friendly features is a strategic move to accelerate the app's broader adoption, a critical step given that scaling its unique verification process remains World's primary challenge. Sam Altman has publicly stated his ambitious goal for the project to scan a billion people's eyes, though Tools for Humanity currently reports fewer than 20 million verified users.
Recognizing that the prospect of visiting a corporate office for an iris scan by a large metallic Orb might deter some potential users, World has actively sought to streamline its verification process. In April, Tools for Humanity unveiled Orb Minis—handheld, phone-like devices that enable users to perform self-scans from the convenience of their homes. World co-founder Alex Blania has indicated that the company envisions further evolution for Orb Minis, potentially transforming them into mobile point-of-sale devices or licensing their ID sensor technology to other device manufacturers. Such advancements could significantly lower the barrier to verification, paving the way for substantially wider adoption of the World ID system.
