World Launches in Six U.S. Cities with Orb Scans to Verify Human Identity and Distribute Tokens
Highlights:
- World launches in six US cities using eye scan Orbs to verify identity and distribute WLD tokens.
- World partnered with Visa and Match Group to expand ID use in payments and dating apps.
- Coinbase is to list WLD on the Optimism network as the token gains attention despite a brief price dip.
World, the digital identity project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has launched in six cities across the United States. The company confirmed the rollout on April 30 and said the service is now live in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. These cities are described by the company as key innovation hubs.
SAM ALTMAN’S WORLDCOIN LAUNCHES IN U.S., OFFERING $WLD TOKENS FOR WORLD ID SIGNUPS
Sam Altman’s Worldcoin project has officially launched in the U.S., rewarding users with $WLD tokens for creating a World ID through iris scans at physical “Orb” devices.
The move brings the… pic.twitter.com/V8ytoSnUgZ
— Crypto Town Hall (@Crypto_TownHall) May 1, 2025
The platform uses a silver device called the Orb to confirm a person’s identity. The Orb scans a user’s eyes and face to issue a digital World ID. This ID proves that the user is human and can be used across various online platforms. Once verified, users receive WLD, the native token of the project.
World previously avoided launching in the U.S. due to concerns about offering crypto tokens. However, the company has now moved ahead with its U.S. expansion. The service is available at dedicated World Spaces and select partner stores such as Razer.
The company aims to make the Orb more widely available and has plans to distribute 7,500 devices across the country by the end of the year, serving over 180 million Americans. To meet demand, the firm will also open a new manufacturing facility in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.
World ID Gains New Use Cases and Partners
Company leaders, at an event in San Francisco, announced new features and partnerships to add to World’s utility. One of the major announcements was a partnership with Visa to issue a World debit card. The card will be able to process all payments performed with WLD tokens as well as with other cryptocurrencies.
Personal finance 🤝 Rewards for verified humans.
The World Card will let verified humans spend straight from World App and access rewards. Online, IRL, anywhere @Visa is accepted. pic.twitter.com/hSrzGcxHy2
— World (@worldcoin) May 1, 2025
In another move, World partnered with Match Group, which owns dating platforms including Tinder, Hinge, Match.com, and Plenty of Fish. The company said Match will test the World ID system in Japan. This test aims to help users confirm they are speaking to real people, especially in dating apps.
The World App is also adding more tools through new collaborations. Through a partnership with Morpho, a decentralized lending platform, users can borrow and lend crypto directly through the app. The company also partnered with Kalshi to allow users to participate in prediction markets.
Earn and borrow on World, powered by Morpho
25M+ humans can now access crypto-backed loans and onchain yield, directly in the @worldcoin app. pic.twitter.com/UuQ3UA2Tfk
— Morpho Labs 🦋 (@MorphoLabs) May 1, 2025
The firm stated that these features aim to attract more users and provide more services to those who complete Orb verification. Verified World ID holders can already use the identity on apps like Discord, Telegram, Reddit, Minecraft, and Shopify.
WLD Token Shows Mixed Market Reaction
Following the expansion announcement, WLD has increased by 0.70% in the past day. In addition, the trading activity has increased 126.25% to $498.12 million.
Coinbase is planning to increase the visibility of WLD by adding support of the coin on the Optimism network. As soon as liquidity reaches internal requirements, trading will begin. The listing, however, will be limited to certain regions depending on local conditions.
.@coinbase lists @worldcoin $WLD and @Mantle_Official $MNThttps://t.co/GNq6ClMhyl pic.twitter.com/9z0lVBoT0v
— ICO Drops (@ICODrops) May 1, 2025
The rollout in the U.S. and additional market exposure have heightened the crypto trader and investor attention on the World project. Despite scrutiny from multiple countries with a temporary suspension in Spain and Portugal, the company is moving ahead with its expansion.
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Austin Mwendia
Austin Mwendia is a passionate crypto journalist with three years of experience. He has contributed to various media outlets, covering blockchain technology, market analysis, and financial trends. He is committed to educating readers and expanding the adoption of blockchain and decentralized finance.
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