Reddit Explores Using World Crypto Project for Account Verification

Reddit, a leading social media platform known for its pseudonymous user interactions, is reportedly considering adopting World ID, a biometric verification system developed by World, a cryptocurrency project co-founded by ChatGPT and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

According to Semafor, this move aims to verify that Reddit users are unique individuals, addressing growing concerns about AI-generated content and regulatory pressures. The potential integration of World ID, which uses iris-scanning technology, follows Tinder’s exploration of similar verification methods and could mark a significant shift in how online platforms balance authenticity and privacy. If implemented, Reddit would join a growing number of platforms leveraging decentralized identity solutions to combat bots and ensure user trust.

World ID and the Push for Online Verification

World, previously known as Worldcoin, offers a unique approach to identity verification through its World ID system, which assigns a cryptographic proof-of-personhood via iris scans conducted by a device called the Orb.

This technology allows platforms to confirm that users are real humans without requiring personal data like names or email addresses, aligning with Reddit’s tradition of prioritizing pseudonymity. Semafor’s report, citing two anonymous sources, suggests that Reddit’s discussions with World’s parent company, Tools for Humanity, reflect a broader industry trend toward combating AI-driven misinformation and meeting new age verification laws. The system’s appeal lies in its ability to differentiate human users from bots, a challenge that has intensified as artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated.

The adoption of World ID could have significant implications for Reddit, which has faced challenges in maintaining platform integrity. For instance, Semafor reported that Reddit recently considered legal action against the University of Zurich after researchers used AI to impersonate users in an experiment on AI persuasion. This incident underscores the platform’s vulnerability to automated accounts, which threaten the authenticity that Reddit’s user base values. Additionally, as U.S. states explore laws requiring age verification for internet users, platforms like Reddit are under pressure to implement robust verification methods. World ID’s approach could offer a solution, allowing Reddit to comply with regulations while maintaining its pseudonymous culture.

World’s technology has already gained traction elsewhere. In April 2025, World announced its U.S. launch and a partnership with Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, to test verification on dating apps in Japan. This collaboration aims to enhance user trust by confirming identities and ages, addressing common concerns in online dating. Reddit’s potential adoption of World ID could similarly strengthen user confidence, particularly in communities where authentic interaction is paramount. However, the technology’s reliance on biometric data has sparked controversy, particularly among privacy conscious users in the cryptocurrency community, who may view it as invasive.

The Worldcoin (WLD) token, tied to the project, saw a brief 5% price increase following the Semafor report but later stabilized at approximately $0.89, with a market value of $1.44 billion. Despite its growth, with over 28 million World App users and 13.1 million verified as unique humans, World faces regulatory hurdles in various jurisdictions due to concerns over biometric data collection. These challenges highlight the delicate balance between innovation and privacy that Reddit must navigate if it proceeds with World ID integration. For now, Reddit plans to offer multiple verification options, ensuring users have alternatives to iris-scanning if they prefer.

Reddit’s consideration of World ID comes after the platform has long faced criticism from its Bitcoin and crypto communities. Many users have argued over the years that heavy moderation and censorship in crypto related subreddits such as /r/bitcoin, /r/cryptocurrency, and others, have stifled open discussion, pushing enthusiasts to platforms like X, which adopts a less restrictive approach to speech.

The introduction of a privacy sensitive technology like World ID could exacerbate these tensions, as diehard crypto advocates who prioritize decentralization and anonymity may perceive it as a step toward surveillance. Some Reddit users have already expressed concerns, with one user, Savi321, questioning whether they should be “happy that Reddit may enter the crypto space or sad that they want to verify us users by a method we already declined when WLD was launched.”

The broader context of online verification suggests that proving humanness may become a standard requirement across the internet. As artificial intelligence continues to blur the line between human and automated interactions, technologies like World ID could set a precedent for how platforms maintain trust and compliance. For Reddit, adopting such a system could enhance its appeal to users seeking authentic interactions while addressing regulatory demands. However, the platform must carefully consider the privacy concerns of its diverse user base, particularly in communities wary of centralized control. If successful, Reddit’s integration of World ID could pave the way for other platforms to adopt decentralized verification, reshaping the future of online identity.