Worldcoin, the biometric-based cryptocurrency project co-founded by Sam Altman, has officially launched in the U.S., marking a significant milestone in digital identity verification. The project allows users to scan their irises at World orbs to receive Worldcoin (WLD) tokens.
Worldcoin has been available in select international markets for years, but its U.S. launch was delayed due to regulatory hurdles and privacy concerns surrounding biometric data collection. The project’s reliance on iris scans raised questions about user privacy and data security, prompting extensive discussions before its rollout.
To encourage adoption, Worldcoin is offering 16 WLD tokens to new users who complete an iris scan, while early adopters who previously registered with the World App will receive a pioneer grant of 150 WLD tokens.
Partnership with Visa
In addition to its crypto wallet, Worldcoin is partnering with Visa to launch a debit card that will allow users to convert WLD into fiat currency for everyday purchases. This move aims to bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance, making digital assets more practical for mainstream use.
The iris-scanning process takes 30 seconds, generating a unique IrisCode that verifies a user’s identity and prevents duplicate registrations. This system is designed to distinguish real humans from AI-generated entities, addressing concerns about bot-driven fraud in digital transactions.
Despite its ambitious goals, Worldcoin continues to face intense scrutiny over its use of biometric data. Critics argue that even anonymized biometric information could be vulnerable to misuse or breaches. The company maintains that it does not store raw biometric data and has implemented advanced cryptographic protections to secure users’ personal identifiers.
Shogun Lin
