Worldcoin is trying to build something big, maybe even world-changing. On May 1, 2025, it officially launched in the United States in six cities. The team behind Worldcoin wants to create a new kind of global system, one where everyone has a secure digital identity and access to finance through cryptocurrency. Their tool to do this? An eye-scanning device called the Orb.
In this article, we’ll break down what Worldcoin does, how its token works, and what to expect next. We’ll also look at the privacy concerns and why this project matters, especially now that it’s expanding in the U.S.
What is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin is a crypto project focused on digital identity and money. It was co-founded by Sam Altman, who is also the CEO of OpenAI. The main idea is to give every person a World ID, a kind of proof that you’re a real human being, not a bot or AI.
To get this ID, you have to scan your eye with a shiny silver ball called the Orb. It looks strange, but it’s meant to check your identity in a way that can’t be easily faked. Once you verify your identity, you can get WLD tokens, the project’s cryptocurrency.
Source | Reuters
Worldcoin says it doesn’t keep your eye scan. Instead, it creates a private code that proves your ID without storing personal data. It uses technology called zero-knowledge proofs and multi-party computation to protect user privacy. But not everyone is convinced.
Recent Launch in the U.S.
Worldcoin recently launched in six major cities in the U.S.:
Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
Their goal is to deploy 7,500 Orbs worldwide by the end of 2025. These Orbs will be available in public places and even tech stores, making it easier for people to join the network and claim WLD tokens.
Source | stock.adobe.com
Alongside the launch, Worldcoin introduced a Visa card that lets users spend WLD and other cryptocurrencies. Merchants still receive fiat currency, which makes it easier for businesses to accept crypto without worrying about price changes. This is a big step toward real-world use.
The WLD Token
As of now, the WLD token is priced at 1.045 USDT. That number may seem low, down from 12 USDT all-time-high.
The token has two main uses:
- Incentives – Users can earn WLD by verifying their identity.
- Governance – Token holders may help make decisions about the network in the future.
WLD is not available in every U.S. state due to crypto rules. For example, you can’t get it in New York. But that could change as crypto regulations evolve.
Link to OpenAI
One reason Worldcoin is getting attention is because of its link to OpenAI. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, co-founded Worldcoin. This has led some to think the two projects are working closely together.
Source | WSJ
They both care about AI and identity. OpenAI builds smart machines, and Worldcoin wants to make sure humans can still be verified in a world full of bots. That makes their missions naturally connected, even if the companies are separate.
What’s Next?
Worldcoin is growing fast. It already has millions of users in countries like Austria, Ecuador, and Colombia. It’s also testing new features, like a Tinder partnership in Japan to fight fake profiles using World ID.
The next step is scaling. If Worldcoin succeeds in placing thousands of Orbs and getting more people to use the Visa card, the WLD token could gain more value and use. But this depends on how well it handles public concerns.
Privacy and Concerns
The biggest issue people have with Worldcoin is privacy. Even though the team says it doesn’t keep biometric data, the idea of scanning your iris for crypto is unsettling to some. The company will have to keep proving that its tech is safe and transparent.
They’ll also need to handle regulatory pressure, especially in the U.S. where rules about crypto and data are getting tighter. The current ban in New York is one example of the legal challenges ahead.
Final Thoughts
Worldcoin is bold. It’s trying to mix identity, crypto, and real-world payments into one system. With a growing app, 10 million+ users, and global expansion, it’s a project to watch.
But don’t forget: This is not financial advice. Worldcoin is still in its early days. There are risks, especially with privacy and government rules. Always do your own research before buying tokens.
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