Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is behind Tools for Humanity, a startup developing the Orb — a sleek, globe-shaped device that scans users’ irises to create a digital “World ID” as proof of human identity in the age of AI. The goal: to build a global network of verified humans, with a long-term target of one billion users. So far, the company has verified around 17.5 million people — just under 2% of its ambition. The system grants access to a digital ecosystem including a messaging app, a wallet, and a platform for mini-apps, while users receive Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency currently valued at about 80 cents. Backed by major investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital, and Khosla Ventures, the company has raised $240 million and is estimated to be worth $2.5 billion. The vision is simple: in a world where AI can mimic human behavior, a “proof of humanity” could restore trust online. Altman, who co-founded the project with German physicist Alex Blania, pitched it as a way to counteract the very AI tools he helped create. The company has launched in over 20 countries, from Mexico to South Korea, and has partnered with firms like Stripe, Visa, and Razer, with plans to verify users on platforms like Tinder in Japan. However, the rollout has been met with significant regulatory pushback. Authorities in Germany, China, the Philippines, Colombia, and Thailand have raised concerns over data privacy, security, and the legality of biometric data collection. In Germany, officials ruled that World’s data protection measures were insufficient against cyber and state threats. In China, the Ministry of State Security warned that iris data collection for crypto could pose national security risks. In Colombia and the Philippines, operations were halted, and in Thailand, officials raided scanning sites and arrested individuals for operating an unlicensed digital asset business. Critics question the project’s long-term viability. Nick Maynard of Juniper Research notes there’s no clear “killer use case” driving user adoption beyond the promise of free crypto. Former employees and industry experts point to a lack of sustainable revenue models, with the company not charging users and not selling data. Revenue streams like World ID fees and a community operator program for renting Orbs are seen as insufficient. The Orbs themselves are expensive — thousands of dollars each — and often suffer from connectivity issues. The company’s early strategy, which involved launching in developing nations with high financial incentives, has drawn criticism. In countries like Kenya, Argentina, and Brazil, people have been lured by the chance to earn cash, with some even being bused to scanning sites. In Kenya, the High Court ruled World’s operations illegal and ordered the deletion of all biometric data. Former employees also report that many users in Latin America quickly delete the app after cashing out their Worldcoin, raising doubts about genuine engagement. Despite the company’s claims of regulatory compliance and global reach, experts like Martha Bennett of Forrester remain skeptical, calling the project more a “faddish experiment” than a viable business. Crypto analysts, including Nikhil Bhatia of USC, argue that Worldcoin’s $2 billion market cap is not a sign of legitimacy but of speculative interest. The project’s success hinges on continued venture capital, and without a clear path to profitability or mass utility, scaling to a billion users appears increasingly unlikely. As global regulators tighten scrutiny, the dream of a “human-only internet” may be as much a technical challenge as a political and ethical one.