World Grows Orb Network Through Global Retail Alliances

Published Date : 10/2/2025 

World, formerly known as Worldcoin, is rolling out its Partner Markets program to enlist large retail enterprises worldwide to host its iris-scanning Orbs, aiming to increase foot traffic and enhance digital identity verification. 

When Worldcoin rebranded as World a year ago, it laid out an ambitious plan to scale its operations, including more locations for its iris-scanning Orbs. Now, according to a recent blog post, the company is rolling out its Partner Markets program to large enterprises across the globe, looking for those who would house the Orb as a draw for foot traffic.

Today, 1,300 Orbs are hosted around the world, from video game stores in Tokyo to cafes in London and restaurants in Buenos Aires. However, to truly embody its name, World needs more Orbs. A lot more Orbs. The company is inviting businesses in over 20 countries where World’s proof of human technology is available to host Orbs, as well as those who want to bring this technology to their countries.

World highlights three major benefits for businesses that host Orbs. First, increased foot traffic and potential for conversion: individuals who verify their identity through the Orb can receive Worldcoin, a digital token they can spend on products and services in the store. This straightforward payment integration can boost sales and customer engagement.

Second, the World Foundation, the company’s non-profit arm, pays businesses a fee for every person who offers their iris biometrics in-store. This additional revenue stream can be a significant incentive for retailers.

Third, World helps businesses leverage World ID in their operations, ensuring a larger share of human clientele and less bot or fraudulent activity. By integrating World ID, businesses can enhance their security and customer trust.

For now, World is seeking popular retail partners. Eligible partners must have an extensive retail footprint and the operational capability to identify potential sites, deploy the hardware, and build a strategic launch plan. The company also emphasizes the importance of aligning with its mission of universal proof of human, finance, and connection for every human.

One such aligned partner is Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc., a Tokyo-based diversified healthcare company. Medirom plans to deploy the World ID proof of human authentication device Orb across 100 of its Re.Ra.Ku relaxation studios in Japan by the end of this month, with plans to expand to 200 locations nationwide. This deployment marks the largest installation of Orbs in Japan, covering Medirom’s spa, massage, hot spring, and aromatherapy outlets.

World is also addressing the issue of bot activity in online shopping. It has opened a No Bot Shop in Los Angeles, a retail experience where proof of human is the only currency that matters. No bots allowed. In this store, visitors who verify their humanness via an Orb can unlock access to a prize wheel stocked with hard-to-get items. Everyone who verifies their humanness leaves with something.

World frames this initiative as a revolution in digital commerce, aiming to create a fairer online shopping experience. However, the requirement to scan one’s irises to access limited goods or concert tickets is a significant step. World maintains that with over 15 million verified humans globally, the infrastructure for bot-free commerce is actively growing.

While the concept of proving one’s humanness to access goods and services may seem intrusive, World argues that it ensures a more equitable and secure environment. Whether this approach will be widely accepted remains to be seen, but the company is certainly pushing the boundaries of digital identity and biometric verification. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is World's Partner Markets program?

A: World's Partner Markets program is an initiative to enlist large retail enterprises worldwide to host its iris-scanning Orbs, aiming to increase foot traffic and enhance digital identity verification.

Q: How many Orbs are currently hosted around the world?

A: Currently, 1,300 Orbs are hosted around the world in various locations such as video game stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Q: What are the benefits of hosting an Orb for businesses?

A: Businesses hosting Orbs can benefit from increased foot traffic, potential for conversion through Worldcoin, additional revenue from the World Foundation, and enhanced security and customer trust through World ID integration.

Q: Who is Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc. and what is their role in the Orb deployment?

A: Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc. is a Tokyo-based healthcare company that plans to deploy Orbs across 100 of its Re.Ra.Ku relaxation studios in Japan, with plans to expand to 200 locations.

Q: What is the No Bot Shop in Los Angeles?

A: The No Bot Shop in Los Angeles is a retail experience where proof of human is the only currency that matters. Visitors who verify their humanness via an Orb can access hard-to-get items and ensure a bot-free shopping experience. 

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