New 'Super App' Launches with Crypto and Encrypted Chat

World App Unveils New Features: Encrypted Chat and Expanded Crypto Capabilities

The biometric ID verification project, World, co-founded by Sam Altman, has released its latest app version today. This update introduces several enhancements, notably an integrated encrypted chat function and an augmented, Venmo-style system for sending and receiving cryptocurrency.

Origins and Mission of World

Established in 2019 by the startup Tools for Humanity, World initially launched its application in 2023. The company’s core objective is to develop digital “proof of human” tools. These tools are intended to distinguish genuine individuals from automated bots in an increasingly digital landscape susceptible to AI-generated forgeries.

During a presentation held at World’s San Francisco headquarters on Thursday, Altman and Alex Blania, World’s co-founder and CEO, briefly showcased the new app iteration – referred to by developers as a “super app” – before handing over to the product team for a detailed explanation of the new functionalities.

A New Economic Model

Altman explained that the concept behind World originated from discussions with Blania regarding the necessity of establishing a novel economic framework. This framework, grounded in web3 principles, is the central aim of World’s verification network. “Successfully identifying unique individuals while simultaneously preserving privacy presents a significant challenge,” Altman stated.

Introducing World Chat

World Chat, the app’s newly integrated messenger, appears designed to address this challenge. It employs end-to-end encryption, providing secure conversations comparable to Signal, a privacy-focused messaging application. Furthermore, it utilizes color-coded message bubbles to indicate whether a contact has been verified through World’s system. This feature aims to encourage verification, empowering users to confirm the identity of their conversational partners.

The chat functionality was initially released in a beta phase in March.

Enhanced Digital Payment System

Another significant addition unveiled on Thursday was an expanded digital payment system enabling users to send and receive cryptocurrency. While the World app has previously functioned as a digital wallet, the latest version offers broader capabilities.

Through the use of virtual accounts, users can now receive salaries directly into the World App and make deposits from their bank accounts. These funds can then be converted into cryptocurrency. Verification through World’s authentication system is not required to utilize these payment features.

Creating a More Interactive Experience

Tiago Sada, World’s chief product officer, shared with TechCrunch that the inclusion of chat was driven by user demand for a more engaging experience. “Users consistently expressed a desire for a more social World app,” Sada explained. World Chat is intended to fulfill this need, providing a secure communication platform.

“Developing this feature-rich messenger, comparable to WhatsApp or Telegram, while maintaining the encryption and security levels of Signal required substantial effort,” Sada added.

The World ID Verification Process

World, initially known as Worldcoin, employs a distinctive authentication method. Individuals interested in verification have their eyes scanned at designated company locations. The Orb – a specialized verification device – converts the iris into a unique and encrypted digital code. This code, the verified World ID, allows the user to access and interact with World’s ecosystem of services through its application.

Driving Broader Adoption

The integration of more social features is demonstrably intended to promote wider adoption of the app, which is crucial given the company’s primary challenge: scaling verification. Altman has expressed a goal of scanning the eyes of one billion people, however, Tools for Humanity reports having scanned fewer than 20 million individuals.

Simplifying Verification

Recognizing that undergoing eye scans at corporate offices may not appeal to all users, the company has already taken steps to streamline the verification process. In April, Tools for Humanity introduced Orb Minis – portable, smartphone-like devices – allowing users to scan their own eyes conveniently from their homes.

Blania previously indicated to TechCrunch that the company intends to eventually transform the Orb Minis into a mobile point-of-sale device or license its ID sensor technology to device manufacturers. Such actions would significantly lower the barrier to verification, potentially fostering more widespread adoption.