Video meetings may soon come with an unusual new step, as Zoom begins asking participants to confirm they are real people. The company has teamed up with World, the identity platform backed by Sam Altman and previously known as Worldcoin, to bring live identity checks into calls.

The update, which went live on 17 April 2026, forms part of World’s ID 4.0 system. It gives meeting hosts the ability to confirm that attendees are genuine individuals rather than AI-generated replicas appearing on screen.

The system relies on what World calls Deep Face verification. It works by comparing three separate elements: an authenticated image captured during a user’s initial Orb registration, a live facial scan taken from their current device, and the video feed visible to others in the meeting. When all three align, a “Verified Human” label is displayed next to the participant’s name.

Collaboration

Photo by Zoom

The idea of having to prove one’s identity in order to join a routine call may feel unusual, yet the feature is designed to address a growing problem. Hosts can require verification before allowing entry, effectively blocking anyone who cannot confirm their identity. There is also an option to trigger checks during a meeting, meaning participants could be asked to verify themselves at any moment.

The push towards this kind of technology reflects a broader shift in response to deepfake-related risks. Cases of fraud involving realistic AI-generated impersonations have become more common and more costly. In early 2024, global engineering firm Arup reportedly lost around A$38 million after an employee approved transfers during a video meeting that turned out to involve fabricated identities. A similar incident affected a multinational company in Singapore in 2025, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.

Financial damage linked to deepfake scams surpassed A$300 million in the first quarter of the previous year alone, underlining the scale of the threat. What was once seen as a niche concern has quickly developed into a serious challenge for organisations and individuals alike.

As a result, identity verification based on biometric data is increasingly being adopted in professional environments. While the approach may feel intrusive to some, it signals a shift towards prioritising trust and authenticity in digital communication as the line between real and artificial continues to blur.