Sam Altman Launches Mobile Eye-Scan for US Cryptocurrency Verification

In 2023, Web3 project World (formerly Worldcoin) launched a new portable authentication device called Orb Mini. Founded by Sam Altman and Alex Blania, World is designed to address the growing challenge of distinguishing between humans and AI agents online. The project aims to create a digital tool that verifies users as real biological entities rather than AI proxies, drawing millions of people into its ecosystem. This new device, Orb Mini, allows users to scan their irises, generating a unique identity token on the blockchain. Unlike its larger predecessor, the Orb Mini looks like a smartphone, making it much more portable and user-friendly. On the heels of this launch, Tools for Humanity, the company responsible for the Orb series, announced that it will begin offering the World Network service in six major U.S. cities—Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco—by setting up physical storefronts. These stores have already been operational in other regions, enabling users to authenticate their identities through iris scans and receive digital identity tokens, known as Worldcoin (WLD). Since its inception in 2019, the World project has made significant global progress, with 26 million people applying to join and 12 million completing the verification process. The new initiative aims to accelerate user growth in the U.S., leveraging Orb Mini's portability. Worldcoin can now be purchased on exchanges like Coinbase, and users who undergo iris scanning will receive 16 WLD. American users who downloaded and registered the "World" app ahead of the release will get a "pioneer grant" of 150 WLD. The company also plans to partner with Visa later in the year to issue a debit card, allowing users to convert WLD into fiat currency during transactions. Over 7,000 scanning devices are currently deployed in World Space retail locations and Razer stores across the specified cities, reflecting the company's expansion strategy and the growing acceptance of its technology. The mission of Tools for Humanity is to establish World ID as the primary method for personal identity verification on the internet, particularly in light of the rapid advancements in AI technology. Sam Altman, who also serves as the CEO of OpenAI, believes that such a system will be crucial in differentiating genuine human interactions from AI-generated content. He envisions a future where Worldcoin could serve as a form of universal basic income (UBI), ensuring economic security for individuals as AI increasingly replaces human jobs. Currently, Worldcoin's primary application is through transactions via the World wallet app, which also offers private messaging services for sending WLD and other cryptocurrencies. The app integrates over 150 mini-applications, including one from the prediction market platform Kalshi. Worldcoin is beginning to form partnerships with other significant players in the tech industry, such as payment processor Stripe, dating app Tinder's parent company Match Group, and Razer's gaming platform. Despite its ambitious goals, Worldcoin has faced considerable opposition from various governments due to concerns about the collection and use of biometric data. Privacy and security are central issues in the debate surrounding the project. The price of WLD has been volatile, often dropping below its initial 2023 launch level, which raises questions about its stability and long-term viability. Critics argue that the extensive use of biometric data could lead to significant privacy breaches and misuse. However, supporters see Worldcoin as a potential game-changer in digital identity verification, particularly in the context of widespread AI adoption. They believe that the project's innovative approach could help mitigate some of the social challenges posed by AI, such as content authenticity and identity fraud. Industry experts generally acknowledge the technological prowess and forward-thinking nature of World and Tools for Humanity but remain cautious about the practical implications of widespread iris scanning for identity verification. The launch of Orb Mini and the expansion of World Network services in the U.S. mark significant milestones for the project. By making the authentication process more accessible and convenient, World aims to attract a broader user base and enhance its network. While the project's impact on Web3 development and digital identity verification is promising, the ongoing debates about privacy and data security highlight the need for robust safeguards and regulatory oversight. As Tools for Humanity continues to innovate and expand, the community's engagement and scrutiny will play a critical role in shaping the future of this ambitious initiative.