Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Aims to Solve Digital Identity Crisis with Iris Scanning Technology
Worldcoin, a lesser-known venture co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, is setting its sights on addressing a major concern in the age of artificial intelligence (AI): verifying human identity in the digital world. As AI progresses towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), Altman envisions a future where distinguishing between humans and bots online will be crucial.
Worldcoin’s solution? A digital identity system called World ID, which uses biometric data from irises to verify humanness. This system employs spherical “orbs” to scan people’s irises and generate unique encrypted codes that serve as digital IDs. According to the company, these iris-based IDs are designed to ensure that individuals, rather than bots, are interacting online.
The project’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Worldcoin also plans to launch its own cryptocurrency, with the goal of distributing it globally to create an inclusive financial network. The broader vision is to offer universal basic income powered by Worldcoin’s currency, providing financial stability in a world transformed by AGI.
Worldcoin’s CEO, Alex Blania, explained that verifying human identity is becoming increasingly critical, especially with the rise of intelligent bots that can mimic human behavior online. He added that the project’s goal is not just to solve immediate challenges but to help shape a future where AGI and cryptocurrency play a central role in society.
However, Worldcoin has faced scrutiny from regulators in several countries, including Spain and Hong Kong. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic, having secured key agreements in markets like Malaysia.
While concerns about privacy and biometric data persist, Worldcoin argues that its technology is comparable to widely accepted features like Face ID and ensures user anonymity. As AI technology evolves, Worldcoin believes its system could become a key tool for safeguarding digital spaces.