World, the iris-scanning identity project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, announced new World ID tools enabling banks and financial firms to verify that a real person is participating in video calls and financial transactions.
The rollout targets deepfake fraud and covers AI agents acting on behalf of verified users. The announcement comes after a 2024 incident in which an Arup engineering firm employee transferred $25.6 million after joining a video call where all other participants were deepfakes.
Zoom Verification and Agent Authentication
Zoom participants can now confirm they are the same Orb-verified human connected to their account. Users who pass the verification appear with a blue badge, with companies deciding when to require it.
A second tool, World ID for agents, allows AI agents to carry credentials delegated by users. According to World's Chief Product Officer Tiago Sada, each user can assign credentials to only one trusted agent, which merchants can treat as the user's representative.
Initial Partners and Privacy Structure
Initial design partners include Bain Capital, OpenExchange, Outtake, Pantera Capital, and VanEck Funds. Financial firms will maintain Orb devices in their offices for employees who have not yet completed iris scans.
World's verification system operates across three tiers: the lowest relies on government documents, while the highest tier, Proof of Human, matches a selfie against the Orb record. The Orb encrypts scans so World cannot read them, and no central database of individuals is maintained.
Market Response
Despite the announcements regarding Zoom and financial firm integrations, WLD was trading at approximately $0.49 at the time of reporting, down 0.7% in 24 hours and more than 11% over seven days, though it had gained over 14% in 30 days. WLD remains nearly 96% below its all-time high of $11.74.
