In a year marked by advancements in artificial intelligence, World has solidified its position as a key player in human verification technology. As we step into 2026, the organization looks back on a transformative 2025 while announcing its latest geographic expansion. With nearly 38 million users and over 17 million verified individuals across six continents, World’s growth underscores demand for tools that distinguish real people from bots and AI in digital spaces.
This progress reflects a commitment to fostering trust online, where verification happens every few seconds and user adoption surges.
Throughout 2025, World broadened its reach significantly.
New launches in the United Kingdom and Taiwan brought millions more into the fold, providing access to secure human proof systems.
The rollout in the United States represented a key milestone, returning to the heart of tech innovation with a prominent flagship location in San Francisco’s Union Square.
This site drew attention from local leaders and media, highlighting World’s role in addressing AI-driven challenges like deepfakes and fraud.
Technological innovations were central to this expansion.
World unveiled upgraded hardware featuring enhanced AI capabilities through NVIDIA processors, offering substantial performance boosts.
A new manufacturing hub in Texas streamlined production with fewer components and greater transparency, culminating in the open-sourcing of the Orb device in October.
These steps emphasize scalability and openness, ensuring the technology can support a growing user base without compromising privacy.
The revamped World App emerged as a cornerstone of these efforts, redefining digital interactions.
Introduced late in the year, it includes encrypted messaging that visually flags verified humans, virtual banking options in multiple countries for seamless stablecoin transactions, and reward programs for authenticated users.
Additionally, an ecosystem of over 500 mini-applications covers everything from financial tools to entertainment, all leveraging proof-of-human features to unlock exclusive opportunities.
This app not only became the top self-custody wallet by active users but also facilitated billions of interactions, demonstrating practical applications in everyday life.
Strategic collaborations further amplified World’s impact.
Ties with dating giant Match Group aim to curb bot interference in online romance, where surveys show widespread concerns over AI-generated profiles.
Partnerships in gaming, such as with Razer and Mythical Games, prioritize authentic player experiences, preventing manipulation in competitive environments.
Building on this foundation, World kicked off 2026 with its Italian debut on January 15, marking Rome as the site of its first location in the country.
This move makes Italy the fifth European Union nation to join the network, responding to escalating online scams that cost €181 million in 2024 alone.
Using the privacy-focused Orb for in-person verifications, the system confirms uniqueness without storing personal data, addressing worries over deepfakes—a concern for 70% of global adults.
Applications span ticketing to combat scalping, gaming fairness, financial security against identity theft, and genuine social connections free from fakes.
World plans to deepen integrations and expand access, ensuring technology empowers rather than supplants humanity.
With voluntary adoption and a focus on privacy, the network positions itself as essential infrastructure for an AI-dominated environment. And as fraud and misinformation rise, initiatives like the Italian launch signal a proactive path toward more authentic digital ecosystems.