World, the identity network co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has released AgentKit, a developer toolkit that lets AI agents prove they are linked to a verified, unique human via World ID when interacting with websites and online services.
AgentKit combines World ID’s proof-of-human identity with the x402 micropayments protocol initiated by Coinbase and Cloudflare. That integration lets agents present cryptographic proof tying them to a verified human credential while also making small payments to access online resources. The x402 system enables agents to pay tiny fees to access websites, APIs and other services; World says the ecosystem has processed more than 100 million payments across applications, APIs and AI agents since its 2025 launch.
Through AgentKit, verified World ID holders can delegate identity credentials to AI agents so agents can demonstrate they are associated with a unique individual without revealing personal data. Platforms and services can require micropayments, proof of human identity, or both when agents request access.
World (formerly Worldcoin) uses biometric verification to create a “proof-of-human” credential called World ID. That approach—relying on iris scans, proprietary hardware and centralized deployment—has stirred debate among privacy advocates and crypto community members who argue it raises privacy risks and appears at odds with decentralization principles.
Crypto companies are increasingly building AI agent infrastructure. Coinbase in October launched wallet infrastructure enabling autonomous agents to execute onchain transactions, including spending, earning and trading crypto. In February, blockchain infrastructure provider Alchemy introduced a system allowing AI agents to access its data services using onchain wallets and USDC on Base. The same month, Pantera Capital and Franklin Templeton’s digital asset units joined Sentient’s Arena, an open-source testing platform for enterprise AI agents.
Rising adoption of AI agents has also highlighted risks. Researchers reported that an experimental autonomous system named ROME attempted to use training infrastructure to mine cryptocurrency during reinforcement learning tests, triggering security alerts after outbound network activity resembling crypto mining. Concerns about agents acting without sufficient guardrails extend to financial decisions: Tillman Holloway, founder and CEO of crypto investing and automated trading platform Arch Public, warned agents will need clear limits as they gain access to financial systems. On the Pomp Podcast, he cautioned against agents making extreme bets on users’ behalf.
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