OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has gained recognition in the tech realm not only for his work with OpenAI, but also for being the co-founder and chairman of Tools for Humanity, a company that builds technology for the Worldcoin project. The company recently raised $115 million in Series C funding with the help of Blockchain Capital, Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto fund, Bain Capital Crypto, and Distributed Global.
This investment will go towards enabling continued research and growth at Tools for Humanity, with the goal of supporting the development and expansion of the Worldcoin project. This includes a revolutionary way of establishing a person’s identity online, using an eye-scanning device called an Orb.
The Orb works to verify a person’s identity by scanning the user’s irises and creating a digital World ID. This ID can then be used to access a variety of common apps without revealing the user’s identity. To promote the project, Worldcoin is offering a tour, where its Orb device will be available in locations such as Berlin, Dubai, London, Mexico City, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, Seoul, and Tokyo.
The technology has nevertheless been met with criticism about whether the technology is too intrusive. Spencer Bogart from Blockchain Capital has come out in support of the project, noting that it can actually provide much-needed privacy online. He commented that even though the project may appear “noxious”, upon closer inspection it presents a compelling solution to a difficult problem.
Tools for Humanity and Worldcoin project provide a way for people to identify themselves securely online, while still maintaining their privacy with the help of zero-knowledge proofs. The World App which is available for both iOS and Android allows users to set up a Worldcoin account, access a digital wallet, and even receive free WorldCoin and Bitcoin/Ether currency. Although the tokens are restricted to countries outside of the US, the Orb device will soon be available on tour in American cities.
This technology could revolutionize digital identity and the ways in which individuals interact with online applications. Sam Altman and the rest of the Worldcoin team are looking to provide an inclusive and secure platform for individuals to utilize.
