OpenAI’s Worldcoin, a crypto startup focused on using eyeball-scanning technology for identity verification, has begun its global rollout. The company, founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, aims to provide a solution for distinguishing humans from AI online, facilitating global democratic processes, and increasing economic opportunities. Worldcoin has raised approximately $250 million from investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, and Reid Hoffman, and is now launching its identity technology and token internationally.
During its trial phase, more than 2 million individuals signed up and scanned their eyes for Worldcoin’s biometric database. Eligible participants are offered 25 Worldcoin (WLD) tokens, equivalent to around $55, upon onboarding. However, the initiative has faced criticism, with some arguing that the token offer is a nominal tradeoff for participants’ biological data. There are concerns that poorer countries were initially recruited as participants, prompting allegations of exploitation.
Worldcoin’s Orb tour started in Tokyo in April 2023 and has since expanded to various locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Despite regulatory restrictions preventing availability to U.S. citizens, the startup has been advertising appointments for eye scans in major American cities such as Miami, New York City, and San Francisco.
Participants must provide consent for their biometric data to be collected, with three options available on the consent form: not agreeing to anything (resulting in no data collection or scan), agreeing to the Orb scan but opting out of data custody (with data collected but temporarily stored), or agreeing to the Orb scan and full data custody. However, Worldcoin’s services are not accessible to residents of 11 countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and the European Union.
Success for Worldcoin could mean amassing one of the largest human biometric databases, raising security concerns if the information is inadequately protected. Nevertheless, the data could play a vital role in verifying genuine online identities on the blockchain—an issue that remains challenging. Conversely, failure to achieve mass adoption could leave investors empty-handed and potentially expose participants to the sale of their personal information, which has reportedly already begun.
In summary, OpenAI’s Worldcoin has embarked on its global rollout, aiming to revolutionize online identity verification through its eyeball-scanning technology. While the initiative has faced both enthusiasm and criticism, its potential impact on democratization, economic opportunities, and identity verification is undeniable.
