What is Sam Altman's World app trying to solve?

World aims to solve the problem of distinguishing humans from AI online by creating unique digital identities.

How does World verify users with its Orb device?

Users get their eyes scanned by the Orb device to obtain a unique digital ID stored on their phone.

Why are countries investigating World's biometric technology?

Several countries are investigating World due to privacy and data-security concerns surrounding its biometric technology.

Home / Technology / World App's Biometric ID: AI's Answer or Privacy Nightmare?

World App's Biometric ID: AI's Answer or Privacy Nightmare?

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

World uses eye scans via Orb for unique digital IDs to identify humans from AI.
New features include secure chat, payments, and virtual bank accounts.
Adoption lags, with only 17 million verified users against a 1 billion goal.

World App's Biometric ID: AI's Answer or Privacy Nightmare?

Sam Altman's World, a venture focused on human verification through biometric ID, has introduced significant updates to its mobile application. The app utilizes an 'Orb' device for eye scans, generating a unique digital ID to differentiate humans from AI online, a response to AI-generated content proliferation.

New functionalities now integrated into the World app include a secure chat feature, akin to Signal, enabling peer-to-peer payments and third-party app integration. A digital wallet has also been added, offering virtual bank accounts for direct deposits that can be converted into cryptocurrency, positioning the app as a comprehensive "super app."

Despite these advancements, World faces considerable challenges. Global adoption is lagging, with only 17 million users verified against an ambitious 1 billion target, partly due to the limited availability of Orb verification locations. Furthermore, the company is under investigation in several countries over privacy and data security concerns.