TOOLS for Humanity, the team behind World, said it is expanding its presence in Southeast Asia through a partnership with developers in the Philippines to build locally relevant Mini Apps and proof-of-human tools aimed at addressing the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven scams, identity theft and online fraud.
“I’m in the Philippines meeting with developers and partners to explore how proof-of-human can help build a safer, more inclusive internet for Filipinos in the age of AI,” Tiago Sada, chief product officer at Tools for Humanity, said in a news briefing on July 25.
With its fast-growing middle class, high mobile penetration, and one of the world’s most digitally engaged populations, the company sees the Philippines as a strategic testbed for innovation, particularly in emerging markets where tech adoption is rapid but online protections remain uneven.
“We’re excited to work with developers and partners here to co-create Mini Apps—designed by Filipinos for Filipinos—that promote trust and usability online,” Sada said.
World’s move comes as AI-fueled scams, identity theft, and fraud have surged across global platforms, creating pressure for more secure and verifiable digital ecosystems.
The company said its Mini Apps ecosystem, which offers users lightweight digital services built on proof-of-human verification, is gaining traction in markets where access to traditional banking and government infrastructure is limited. By tapping into local developer networks, World said it aims to build products that are not only technically robust but also culturally and economically relevant in bridging gaps in trust, access, and inclusion.
The expansion, World said, reflects its broader strategy: scaling through deep integration in emerging tech ecosystems and building trust-first infrastructure tailored to local needs. By enabling regional developers to lead innovation, World positions itself not just as a global platform, but as one shaped by the communities it serves, the company added.
