World launches its ‘super app,’ including crypto pay and encrypted chat features

The biometric ID verification initiative, World, co-founded by Sam Altman, has launched an updated version of its app, introducing a plethora of innovative features. Among these are an encrypted chat function and enhanced cryptocurrency transaction capabilities, reminiscent of popular payment platforms like Venmo. Established by Tools for Humanity in 2019, World made its first app debut in 2023. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complicated by AI-generated misinformation, the company aims to provide tools for establishing a digital 'proof of human' identity. At a recent event in San Francisco, Altman and World’s co-founder and CEO, Alex Blania, showcased the app's new functionalities, which have been labeled a 'super app' by developers. During the event, Altman elaborated on how the idea for World emerged from discussions with Blania about the necessity for a novel economic model. This model, grounded in web3 principles, is what World seeks to achieve through its verification network. "Identifying unique individuals in a manner that preserves their privacy is a significant challenge," Altman stated. The newly unveiled World Chat messenger aims to address this challenge. It employs end-to-end encryption, akin to that of Signal, to safeguard user conversations. The feature also utilizes color-coded speech bubbles to indicate whether a user has been verified, enhancing trust in communications. Originally tested in beta since March, World Chat is part of a broader strategy to make the app more interactive. Additionally, the app's revamped digital payment system allows users to send and receive cryptocurrencies more efficiently. While World has functioned as a digital wallet, the latest version allows users to directly deposit paychecks and transfer funds from their bank accounts, which can then be converted into crypto without needing verification. Tiago Sada, World’s chief product officer, emphasized that the chat feature was added to foster a more social environment within the app. He noted, "Users wanted a more social World app, and World Chat fulfills that need with a secure communication method." World employs an unconventional verification process where users have their irises scanned, creating a unique digital code. This verified World ID enables users to engage with the app’s various services. The inclusion of social features aims to increase user adoption, a key hurdle for the company, which aspires to scan one billion individuals, though it has thus far verified under 20 million. To streamline this verification, Tools for Humanity introduced Orb Minis—hand-held devices allowing users to self-scan their eyes at home. Looking ahead, the company envisions transforming Orb Minis into mobile point-of-sale devices or licensing their ID sensor technology to other manufacturers, potentially broadening user adoption significantly.