Worldcoin, the ambitious cryptocurrency project spearheaded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is expanding its reach into the United States. The project, which uses a unique orb-shaped device to scan users’ irises, aims to create a universal digital identity system (World ID) and distribute its cryptocurrency (WLD) globally.
This innovative initiative, reminiscent of science fiction, offers a “digital passport” for the digital age. By registering and having their iris scanned, users receive a World ID and a small amount of free WLD cryptocurrency. This digital ID allows for anonymous authentication across various platforms – web, mobile, and decentralized apps – proving the user is a real person and not a bot or AI. Worldcoin positions itself as a solution to potential challenges arising from the rapid advancement of AI, specifically in creating a more equitable and secure digital financial and social infrastructure.
Over the past two years, Worldcoin’s iris-scanning orbs have been deployed in over a dozen countries, including the U.K., Japan, Germany, Spain, and India. Now, the project is making its way to the US.
At a recent event, Worldcoin announced the US launch, highlighting a new, smaller, and more advanced version of the orb. The company plans to deploy 7,500 orbs across the US by the end of 2024, aiming to make registration accessible to approximately 180 million Americans.
How Worldcoin’s Iris Scanning Works
Worldcoin demonstrated its self-verification process, showing how users can independently set up a World ID. Using an orb located in accessible public spaces like coffee shops and convenience stores, users can initiate the registration process through the Worldcoin app.
The process involves pairing the orb with the user’s phone via a QR code scan. Then, the orb scans the user’s iris. Within seconds, the process is complete, and the user receives their World ID and a small amount of WLD cryptocurrency.
The system verifies that the user is a human, informs them that their data is sent only to their device, ensuring user control, and emphasizes that all data is deleted from the orb after processing.
Where to Find a Worldcoin Orb
Worldcoin orbs are becoming available in select US locations, including:
- San Francisco World Flagship Space: 281 Geary St
- Austin World Space: 417 2nd St, Austin, Texas
- Los Angeles World Flagship Space: 8585 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
- Miami World Flagship Space: 257 NW 24th St, Miami, Florida
While some embrace the concept of a secure global digital identity and novel methods of cryptocurrency distribution, others have expressed concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the handling of biometric data. Worldcoin maintains that it does not store raw eye images and utilizes cryptography to protect user identities.
