World, previously known as Worldcoin, has officially launched its identity verification platform in the United States, as announced in a recent statement on April 30. The blockchain-based project offers users the ability to confirm their humanity using a World ID, which can now be verified at dedicated centers in six major cities across the country – Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
The expansion into the US market is seen as a strategic move by World to take advantage of the country’s advancements in artificial intelligence. The firm believes that the US provides an ideal environment for the adoption of digital identity tools that can differentiate between real individuals and bots. Through this launch, American users can verify their identity through the World App and earn WLD tokens, the platform’s native digital asset.
World’s identity verification tools, known as Orbs, are powered by NVIDIA technology and will be deployed at dedicated World Spaces and select retail partner locations, including Razer Stores. The company emphasizes that the verification process prioritizes privacy while ensuring the uniqueness of each user. Verified users will also gain access to a range of features within the app, including mini-apps focused on education, finance, and social engagement.
The expansion into the US market comes at a time when regulatory attitudes in the country are becoming more favorable towards emerging technologies, particularly in the AI and blockchain sectors. However, the move contrasts with the challenges World has faced in Europe, where privacy regulators in countries like Germany have raised concerns about its data collection practices.
In addition to the US launch, World has also announced several high-profile partnerships aimed at expanding the use of its digital identity system. Collaborations with Visa, Kalshi, Tinder (via Match Group), and Morpho have been revealed. One significant initiative is the upcoming World Visa Card, developed in partnership with Visa, which will enable payments in WLD and other digital assets. The card will be exclusively available to verified users.
World is currently conducting a pilot program with Match Group to integrate World ID into dating apps such as Tinder. This initiative is designed to enhance trust in the authenticity of profiles on the platform. Other partnerships include agreements with Kalshi, a regulated prediction market platform, and Morpho, a decentralized lending protocol.
As World continues to expand its reach and partnerships, it is poised to revolutionize digital identity verification and drive adoption of blockchain technology in various sectors.