Sam Altman’s World Partners With Rappi to Launch At-Home Biometric Verification in Argentina
In a bold move to accelerate its global footprint, World—the crypto-based identity project led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—has launched a new biometric identity verification initiative in Argentina. Through a strategic partnership with Rappi, Latin America’s largest delivery platform, World is now offering door-to-door iris scan verification, making it easier than ever for users to access the World ID platform directly from their homes.
Rappi and World Join Forces for Latin American Expansion
After making strides in the U.S. and East Asia, World has turned its attention to Latin America. Its latest partnership with Rappi marks a significant shift in how digital identity services can be delivered—literally.
The collaboration allows Rappi’s users in Buenos Aires, as well as the Belgrano and Palermo neighborhoods where the service was initially piloted, to schedule in-home biometric verifications through the Rappi app. A Rappi delivery representative—equipped with World’s Orb device—visits the user’s residence and performs a secure, encrypted iris scan. Once the data is uploaded, users receive a confirmation SMS with their World ID status.
What Is the Orb and World ID?
At the heart of World’s identity ecosystem is the Orb—a futuristic, spherical device that uses iris scanning technology to verify a user’s unique biometric identity. Once scanned, users receive a World ID, which is designed to provide decentralized and fraud-resistant identity verification, particularly for use in digital and financial ecosystems.
The idea behind World ID is to create a universal identity layer for the internet—one that is both privacy-preserving and accessible. By eliminating the need to travel to a fixed location, the Rappi partnership makes biometric verification more convenient and inclusive.
A New Model for Biometric Identity: Convenience Meets Security
Until now, one of the main challenges with deploying World’s Orb verification process was logistics—requiring users to travel to Orb stations, which were only available in select cities. The partnership with Rappi fundamentally changes this by bringing the Orb directly to users’ homes.
The home-verification model is not only convenient but also has the potential to boost adoption rates, especially among people who may have limited mobility or live in underserved areas. This marks a shift toward more user-centric identity solutions that prioritize ease without compromising on privacy or security.
World’s Latin America Strategy
Argentina is only the beginning. World has confirmed plans to expand its presence throughout Latin America, with upcoming deployments in Colombia, Peru, and secondary cities in Brazil by the end of 2025. This strategy comes amid challenges in other parts of the world, where biometric data regulations—such as in France and India—have either slowed or paused Orb deployments.
Despite those hurdles, World is committed to scaling its identity infrastructure and believes the Rappi model could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships in other regions.
The Rise of the WLD Token
As World ID adoption grows, so does interest in the project’s native cryptocurrency, the WLD token. Initially launched in 2023 with 100 million tokens in circulation, the supply has now grown to 1.3 billion WLD, reflecting surging demand and user engagement.
The token plays a crucial role in incentivizing users and maintaining the World ecosystem. With more than 12 million users already verified, World is positioning itself as a major player in the decentralized identity space.
Privacy Concerns and Regulatory Pushback
While the project’s growth is impressive, not everyone is on board. Regulatory scrutiny around biometric data continues to intensify. Countries like India and France have taken a cautious approach due to privacy concerns, placing temporary restrictions on the use of Orb devices.
World claims that all biometric data collected is encrypted and never stored centrally, addressing common fears about surveillance or misuse. Still, ongoing dialogue with regulators will be key to World’s future expansion in sensitive jurisdictions.
Could the Future of Identity Be Door-to-Door?
If the pilot in Argentina proves successful, World’s innovative home-verification model could redefine how the world thinks about digital identity. The idea that biometric registration can be handled as seamlessly as ordering takeout might open doors for more adoption, particularly in emerging markets with large unbanked populations.
Moreover, Rappi’s broad reach across Latin America makes it an ideal logistics partner—not just for deliveries, but for ushering in the future of decentralized identity verification.
Final Thoughts
Sam Altman’s World is more than a crypto experiment—it’s a reimagining of how identity is managed in a digital-first world. With its partnership with Rappi, World is combining blockchain technology, biometrics, and on-demand logistics to make secure digital ID accessible to millions more.
As privacy debates continue and decentralized ecosystems gain momentum, World’s move into Latin America could mark the beginning of a broader shift—one where identity verification becomes both local and global, secure yet effortless.
The world is watching. And with Orb in hand, it just might knock on your door next.
EXCERPT:
Sam Altman’s World teams up with Rappi to offer at-home biometric ID in Argentina, bringing secure iris scans directly to users’ doors.
