World Network, co-founded by Sam Altman of ChatGPT, recently launched its iris-scanning project in Metro Manila. Using its Orb device, the project creates World IDs to combat online fraud and misinformation.

Scans took place at Greenhills Shoppesville Mall, furthering World Network’s expansion into the country.

Get to Know World Network

World Network, previously Worldcoin, develops technology to verify human identity in today’s AI-driven world. Its aims to tackle scams and cybercrime, which have spiked with AI advancements.

The Orb scans irises to issue World IDs, unique digital credentials proving users are human. Participants receive WLD tokens, the project’s cryptocurrency, manageable via the World App. Users can send and receive crypto via the App as well as verify their World ID.

World Network, on its website, claims compliance to privacy by encrypting data and deleting images post-scan.

The project has seen mixed global adoption.

Its website lists over 840 Orb scanning locations across 20 plus countries. Countries like Argentina have exhibited high adoption with over half a million users. Meanwhile, the organization distanced from Europe with bans in France and Germany. European regulators have questioned the organization’s compliance to privacy regulations.

Documenting World Network in the Philippines

World Network officially launched in the Philippines in February 2025, beginning in Bulacan. Since January, residents in Bulacan participated in early iris scans, earning WLD tokens. A Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho report noted users received tokens initially valued at ₱2,100 to ₱2,500, plus 48.50 WLD (about ₱1,950 at current rates) distributed over 12 months.

Metro Manila’s rollout began at Greenhills in early April 2025, with tests planned for an eventual nationwide expansion.

Reception in the Philippines has been met with skepticism online. Netizens wondered whether the project will legitimately make payments and its compliance to data privacy. However, other commenters have documented successfully cashing out their WLD tokens.

Why It Matters

According to World Network, online fraud in the Philippines soared 4,500% from 2022 to 2023, making this project timely.

With the May 2025 elections looming, World Network aims to curb bot-driven misinformation. World ID lets Filipinos anonymously verify their humanness online, helping platforms spot real users versus AI bots, reducing scams and fake content.

World Network offers a fix for digital trust, vital as cybercrime rises. By verifying identities anonymously, it could reshape online safety in the Philippines.