Sam Altman's Eye-Scanning ID Project Expands in the U.S.

2025-05-01 embedded

San Francisco, Thursday, 1 May 2025.
Sam Altman’s eye-scanning ID project, launched in 2019, now operates in six U.S. cities, using biometric technology to verify individuals.

Strategic U.S. Expansion

World, formerly known as Worldcoin, has launched its biometric verification system across six major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco [1][2]. The expansion, which commenced on April 30, 2025, represents a significant milestone for the company’s ambitious vision of creating a global identity verification standard [3]. The system utilizes sophisticated ‘Orb’ devices that scan users’ faces and irises to generate unique ‘IrisCodes,’ ensuring each person can only register once [4].

Network Growth and Partnerships

The platform has already achieved considerable traction globally, with approximately 26 million users on the network, of whom 12 million have completed verification [5][6]. World is strengthening its ecosystem through strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Visa to launch the ‘World Card’ later in 2025, enabling users to spend digital assets wherever Visa is accepted [7]. Additionally, the company has partnered with Match Group to pilot World ID verification tools on Tinder in Japan [8].

Infrastructure and Security

To support its U.S. expansion, World is establishing an Orb assembly line in Richardson, Texas, with plans to deploy approximately 7,500 orbs across the country by year-end [9]. The company implements a sophisticated security framework, distributing stored data among multiple parties and utilizing advanced cryptography to prevent potential breaches [10]. This approach reflects lessons learned from historical data compromises, such as the Panama Papers incident [11].

Regulatory Landscape and Challenges

Despite its expansion, World faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny in various jurisdictions. The project has encountered restrictions in several countries, with Hong Kong implementing a ban and the United Kingdom conducting regulatory inquiries [12]. However, the U.S. launch has been facilitated by a more favorable regulatory environment under the current administration [13]. Notably, the service will not be available in New York State due to regulatory considerations [14].

sources

Biometrics Identity