In a significant move within the digital communication landscape, Sam Altman’s blockchain venture, World Network, has announced its foray into the messaging arena with the launch of World Chat. This innovative feature, presented as a “mini app” accessible via the World App wallet, is set to transform the way individuals connect while ensuring a heightened level of security and authenticity.
The centerpiece of World Chat revolves around the newly introduced World Network digital passport. This unique feature allows users to verify their identity through iris scanning, fundamentally endorsing their “proof-of-personhood.” By integrating this foundational element, World Chat distinguishes itself in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and bot interactions.
World Chat is designed to enhance user experience by clearly differentiating messages from verified individuals and bots. According to Tools for Humanity, the developers behind this technology, the feature is integrated with World ID, which enables users to know when they are engaging with a verified human rather than an artificial counterpart. This functionality directly addresses widespread concerns regarding the authenticity of online interactions.
Importantly, accessibility is a priority for World Chat. While individuals who have participated in the iris-scanning process will enjoy exclusive features, the messaging platform is also open to those who have not yet undergone this verification. World Chat’s interface draws inspiration from established messaging platforms like Apple’s iMessage, employing a color-coded system to denote verified users from non-verified ones. Verified accounts are indicated with blue chat bubbles and a unique World ID gem, while non-verified conversations appear with grey bubbles, creating a seamless user experience.
Following the launch of Mini Apps in October 2024—which saw an impressive 250 million openings within just two months—World Chat has been highly anticipated by users. Tiago Sada, the head of product at Tools for Humanity, emphasized the growing demand for a direct messaging layer within the World App. “For actions like sending money, using a chat interface is more natural and fun than navigating to a wallet to complete a transaction,” Sada remarked, reinforcing the user-centric design approach.
World Chat will be available for both Android and iOS users starting Thursday, marking a significant step forward for the World App and its ecosystem.
Moreover, World is collaborating with the social protocol Friends With Benefits, along with renowned partners Alchemy, Bain Crypto Capital, Blockchain Capital, and Variant Fund, to establish an incubator program called World Build. This initiative will comprise hackathons, building retreats, and a demo day to catalyze the development of more innovative Mini Apps.
In summary, the introduction of World Chat represents a noteworthy advancement in secure messaging solutions, addressing both user convenience and verification needs in an increasingly digital world. It signals World Network’s commitment to fostering genuine human connections in the age of technology.
