Sam Altman’s World Network introduces messaging feature with identity verification
World Network, a blockchain project backed by Sam Altman, is expanding into messaging with World Chat, a feature integrated into the WorldApp wallet.
This new messaging tool now has verification features for users who hold a World ID, the platform’s digital identity system that verifies users by scanning their iris.
World Chat is designed to help users distinguish between real people and bots in an era where AI-generated interactions are becoming more common. By linking to World ID, the chat feature allows users to see when they are communicating with a verified individual.
“By connecting to World ID, World Chat allows you to know when you’re chatting with a verified human,” World developer Tools for Humanity said in a statement to CoinDesk.
Verified users will have blue chat bubbles and a World ID gem icon, while messages from non-verified users will appear grey without the verification symbol. The design is based on Apple’s iMessage format, which uses different colours to distinguish people.
Expanding World App’s features
World Chat is the most recent addition to World’s Mini App ecosystem, which launched in October 2024. Over 250 million Mini Apps were opened in the first two months of 2025, indicating growing engagement on the World App platform.
Tools for Humanity noted that direct messaging was a frequently requested feature among users. Tiago Sada, head of product at Tools for Humanity, emphasised the demand for a messaging function, saying, “The World App has grown so much over the past year, we’ve continuously heard requests for a DMs layer. And we think that for some actions like sending money, that is just way more natural and fun than going to a wallet, and sending a transaction. People have been asking for the chat product specifically.”
World Chat will be available for Android and iOS starting Thursday.
Partnerships and developer expansion
Alongside the launch of World Chat, World Network is collaborating with blockchain firms, including Alchemy, Bain Crypto Capital, Blockchain Capital, and Variant Fund, to introduce World Build. This incubator program will provide hackathons, retreats, and demo days to encourage developers to create Mini Apps for the platform.
Verifying identity in a bot-driven internet
Altman has previously stated that distinguishing between humans and AI bots will become increasingly difficult. “At some point, the internet as we know it will become overrun with bots—so much so that it’ll be hard to tell who is a real human,” he predicted.
The World App provides a solution by confirming users through iris-scanning orbs, providing them access to the World Network’s blockchain-based ID system.
Competing in the digital payment space
World Chat’s crypto payment feature enters a market already occupied by platforms such as Apple Cash, Venmo, and PayPal. The interface is created for seamless transactions, similar to Strike, which facilitates instant digital payments.
“I absolutely think that World Chat adds more utility to the World app, but Apple Cash within iMessage already exists, and so does Venmo and PayPal,” Blockworks pointed out, highlighting the competitive landscape.
While World Chat’s identity verification adds an extra layer of trust, some users may be hesitant to share biometric data for access. “Some anons may not be comfortable sharing their eyes with Mr. Altman,” Blockworks noted.
Despite concerns over privacy, World ID’s verification system could appeal to international users seeking an added layer of security in digital interactions. While non-verified users can still access World Chat, their messages will appear grey and unverified, signalling to others that they have not yet completed identity verification.
(Image by: OpenAI’s YouTube)
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