World, the biometric ID verification platform co-founded by Sam Altman, has launched a significant upgrade to its app, introducing new features aimed at enhancing user experience and security.
World, the biometric ID verification platform co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has unveiled the latest version of its app, which introduces a range of new features designed to enhance user experience and security. The update includes encrypted chat functionality and expanded cryptocurrency payment options, allowing users to send and request digital currency in a manner similar to popular payment platforms like Venmo.
Founded in 2019 by Altman and his team at Tools for Humanity, World aims to provide digital “proof of human” tools amid growing concerns about AI-generated deepfakes and online impersonation. The app, which first launched in 2023, is designed to help distinguish real individuals from automated bots, addressing a critical need in today’s digital landscape.
At a recent event held at World’s headquarters in San Francisco, Altman and Alex Blania, the company’s co-founder and CEO, introduced the app’s new features, dubbing it a “super app.” The presentation was followed by a demonstration from the product team, showcasing the app’s capabilities.
In his remarks, Altman shared that the concept for World stemmed from discussions with Blania about the necessity for a new economic model. The app’s verification network is built on web3 principles, aiming to create a more secure and privacy-preserving way to identify unique individuals. “It’s really hard to both identify unique people and do that in a privacy-preserving way,” Altman noted.
One of the standout features of the new version is World Chat, a messaging function designed to support the app’s overarching vision. This feature employs end-to-end encryption similar to that used by Signal, ensuring that user conversations remain private. Additionally, the app incorporates color-coded speech bubbles to indicate whether a contact has been verified through World’s system, enhancing user trust and security.
Another significant enhancement is the app’s digital payment system, which now allows users to send and receive cryptocurrency. While World has functioned as a digital wallet for some time, the latest update expands its capabilities. Users can link virtual bank accounts to receive paychecks or make deposits, which can then be converted into cryptocurrency. Notably, these features are accessible to all users, regardless of whether they have completed World’s verification process.
Tiago Sada, World’s chief product officer, emphasized the importance of user feedback in developing the app’s new features. “What we kept hearing from people is that they wanted a more social World app,” he explained. “It took a lot of work to make this feature-rich messenger that is similar to a WhatsApp or a Telegram, but with the encryption and security of something that is a lot closer to Signal.”
World, previously known as Worldcoin, employs a unique verification system to establish identity. Individuals seeking verification have their irises scanned at one of the company’s locations, where the Orb, a spherical biometric device, converts the iris pattern into an encrypted digital code. This code becomes the individual’s World ID, granting access to the suite of services offered through the app.
Altman has expressed his ambition to eventually bring eye scans to a billion people, a scale he believes is essential for the system to have a meaningful global impact. However, as of now, Tools for Humanity reports that the project has verified fewer than 20 million individuals, highlighting the significant journey ahead to achieve that goal.
As World continues to evolve, its latest updates reflect a commitment to enhancing user experience while addressing pressing concerns about identity verification in an increasingly digital world. The introduction of features like encrypted messaging and expanded payment options positions World as a versatile tool for navigating the complexities of modern online interactions.
According to TechCrunch, the launch of the “super app” marks a significant milestone for World as it seeks to redefine how individuals verify their identities and engage in digital transactions.