Following OpenAI’s Sam Altman recently renaming his Worldcoin project simply ‘World,’ we take a look at World’s iris-scanning technology, what it’s for, its potential benefits, and its possible drawbacks.
World – Providing ‘Proof of Personhood’
In an age where AI now appears to be blurring the lines between human and machine interaction, the ability to verify your own humanity online has become a pressing concern. To help tackle this issue, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s co-founded ‘World’ project, formerly known as Worldcoin, an initiative that aims to establish a global ‘proof of personhood’ through innovative iris-scanning technology. It’s thought this approach could reshape how we perceive identity, privacy, and trust in an increasingly digital world.
Why Rebrand from Worldcoin to World?
The Worldcoin project was founded in 2020 by Sam Altman, entrepreneur Max Novendstern, and physicist and AI researcher Alex Blania. Initially conceived as a way to create a new, universally accessible cryptocurrency, the project sought to distribute wealth equitably through a unique method, i.e. verifying individual human identities via iris-scanning technology. It was thought this method would ensure each person could only claim their share once, preventing fraud and promoting fairness. However, the project’s ambitions soon expanded beyond just cryptocurrency.
The recent rebranding from Worldcoin to ‘World’ actually reflects a shift in scope. As Alex Blania, CEO of Tools for Humanity, the startup driving the World project, recently explained at a live event: “The old name just doesn’t work anymore. We’ve grown beyond just a cryptocurrency project – this is about creating important infrastructure for the world, for digital identity.”
World’s mission has, therefore, evolved to focus more on building a universal identity verification system for various aspects of digital life, with a particular emphasis on maintaining privacy and security.
Also, dropping the “coin” from its name, gives the project the chance to distance itself from the volatile world of cryptocurrency, which has faced increasing regulatory scrutiny. The rebranding may also suggest a desire to appeal to a wider audience, expanding the conversation beyond financial technology to address concerns about identity, AI, and privacy.
Iris-Scanning Orbs
At the heart of World’s vision is the Orb, a sleek-looking, spherical device designed to scan and encode the unique patterns of a person’s iris. The Orb hooks up to a local processing unit, which scans the iris and converts the biometric data into an encrypted biometric hash, i.e. a unique digital code that proves the individual’s identity without revealing personal information. This biometric data is then processed and encrypted locally on the Orb and does not require an internet connection for scanning. The encrypted code is then linked to a decentralised blockchain for identity verification, ensuring privacy and security.
Blania has emphasised the privacy aspect of this system, saying: “We’re very clear about how the data is handled. The Orb does not store any biometric images. It creates an encrypted code that proves your identity without needing to reveal who you are”.
Unveiled At Recent Event
The latest version of the Orb, unveiled during a live event in San Francisco, is said to be faster and more efficient than previous versions. For example, it processes iris scans three times quicker and has fewer components, thereby also making it easier and cheaper to mass-produce (which could be a crucial step in scaling the system for global use). With its sleek design and improved interface, the Orb has been designed to make the identity verification process seamless, potentially encouraging widespread adoption.
Tools for Humanity
The driving force behind World is Tools for Humanity, a startup co-founded by Sam Altman and Alex Blania. While Altman is primarily known for his leadership at OpenAI, he reportedly now dedicates a significant amount of time to World, thereby signalling his belief that securing digital identity is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Tools for Humanity was created specifically to develop the technology behind the World project and to ensure its scalability and privacy.
Separate From OpenAI
Despite Altman’s involvement in both World and OpenAI, Blania has been keen to emphasise that World operates independently from OpenAI. For example, Blania has been quoted as saying (in a recent interview) that, “These are two very separate missions” and that OpenAI is focused on advancing artificial intelligence, whereas World is centred on creating critical infrastructure for the digital future.
That said, Blania hasn’t ruled out future collaborations between the two, especially as AI increasingly permeates all aspects of life.
The Purpose of World – Navigating A Post-AI Reality
World’s mission is grounded in the belief that as AI systems become more advanced, distinguishing between human and machine interactions online will become increasingly difficult. This poses significant risks to trust, security, and the integrity of digital platforms. World, therefore, aims to provide a solution by creating a secure, decentralised verification system that proves a person’s humanity while protecting their privacy.
Sam Altman recently highlighted the growing importance of such infrastructure in a world dominated by AI, saying: “As AI becomes more advanced, proving that you’re human will be increasingly important. World is about building that infrastructure to ensure the digital future remains trustworthy”.
Thanks to its use of blockchain (a distributed, incorruptible ledger), the technology is also designed to be tamper-proof and decentralised. Using blockchain should mean that the system ensures that no single entity controls the biometric data, thereby aligning with growing trends toward user empowerment and data sovereignty. It’s hoped that this decentralisation will not only strengthen security but also ensure the system is resistant to external manipulation or misuse.
Benefits and Potential Applications
The potential benefits of having universal ‘proof of personhood’ are vast. Individuals will be able to verify their identity across various digital platforms with ease, thereby enhancing security and privacy. Consequently, this technology could transform sectors like social media, e-commerce, and online communication, where identity verification is becoming more critical.
For example, social media platforms could use World’s verification system to reduce spam and prevent the spread of misinformation by ensuring all users are verified individuals, not bots. Similarly, e-commerce sites could implement this technology to enhance trust between buyers and sellers.
Also, World envisions a redistribution of wealth generated by AI advancements. The idea is that through Worldcoin, the cryptocurrency (still associated with the project), verified individuals could receive tokens, effectively creating a form of universal basic income UBI). This could be particularly beneficial in regions where access to financial services is limited, promoting economic inclusion.
World’s Sam Altman is a well-known supporter of UBI as a solution to potential job displacement caused by AI and automation. For example, he sees UBI as a financial safety net for a future with fewer traditional jobs, and his work with the World project aligns with this vision by aiming to distribute cryptocurrency to verified individuals.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its ambitious vision, World has not been without controversy. Privacy advocates have voiced concerns over the collection and use of biometric data. The idea of scanning millions of irises around the world has raised questions about consent, data security, and potential misuse by authoritarian regimes or malicious actors.
World has responded to these concerns by emphasising its commitment to privacy. For example, the company has highlighted how the Orb does not store raw biometric data or images, but instead converts iris patterns into an irreversible cryptographic hash, which means the original biometric information cannot be reconstructed. Also, all processing occurs locally on the device, ensuring that sensitive data is not transmitted or stored in a centralised location.
Blania recently addressed the project’s regulatory challenges (at a press conference), particularly in regions such as Kenya and the European Union, saying: “We are working closely with regulators to ensure that our system meets global privacy standards. Our commitment to privacy is absolute, and the technology we use reflects that”.
However, regulatory scrutiny has continued. In Kenya, for example, Worldcoin’s operations were temporarily suspended in 2023 over concerns about the handling of biometric data, although they have since resumed after engaging with local authorities. In the European Union, investigations are ongoing to determine whether the project complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the outcome of these inquiries will be crucial in shaping the project’s future.
Enhancing Accessibility
World has highlighted how its latest Orb has been redesigned to facilitate broader access to the system. The device’s improved speed and efficiency allow for iris verification to be completed in just a few seconds, reducing friction for users. Also, Tools for Humanity has announced partnerships to increase the Orb’s availability.
For example, in collaboration with Rappi, a leading delivery service in Latin America, users can now schedule at-home iris scans, allowing them to verify their identity without visiting a physical location. Plans are also underway to place Orbs in public venues like coffee shops, further lowering the barriers to participation.
Plans To Scale-Up
With over 7 million verified users already, World now appears to be focused on scaling its network rapidly. The hope is that by reaching a critical mass of verified individuals, the World verification system will become a standard across numerous digital platforms, helping to secure the digital landscape against bots and other forms of online fraud.
Deep Face and World ID Too
In addition to the Orb, Tools for Humanity is also developing Deep Face, a system aimed at combating deepfakes and online impersonation. By integrating World’s human verification services into platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, or social media networks, Deep Face could provide real-time authentication, ensuring that the person you are interacting with is indeed human.
The company has also launched a beta version of World ID, a digital credential that could serve as an alternative to traditional government-issued IDs for online use. While World ID isn’t meant to replace national identification systems, it offers a way for users to verify their identity without sharing excessive personal data. This could simplify processes like age verification or access to restricted services, while maintaining user privacy.
Balancing Innovation with Ethics
World’s approach to digital identity is undoubtedly bold, but it must also carefully navigate a complex landscape of ethical concerns. For example, the use of biometric data, even in encrypted form, requires strict safeguards to ensure that individuals’ rights are protected. Transparency is likely to be key in building trust, particularly as public awareness of data privacy continues to grow.
Users need to fully understand how their data is used, what protections are in place, and what recourse they have in the event of a breach. Achieving equitable access to the technology is another major challenge, particularly in less developed regions where infrastructure may be lacking.
Sam Altman’s Dual Role
It could be said that Sam Altman’s involvement in both OpenAI and World places him at a unique intersection of AI and digital identity and that while the two ventures remain independent, their missions are intertwined. For example, OpenAI’s advancements in AI are accelerating the need for reliable proof of personhood online, and World is attempting to fill this gap.
By offering a way to verify humanity, World seeks to counter some of the risks associated with AI, such as fraud, impersonation, and the erosion of trust in online spaces. Altman’s role in both projects positions him as a central figure in shaping how we navigate these emerging challenges.
World Not The Only One Doing It
It should be noted, however, that although World is differentiating itself through using blockchain for decentralised identity verification and its potential integration with cryptocurrency, and having Sam Altman at the helm, it’s not the only company using iris recognition technology for secure identity verification. Other notable companies leveraging the uniqueness of the iris for secure and reliable identification, particularly for high-security environments or identity management, include:
– Global leader in augmented identity, IDEMIA, which has developed OneLook, a non-intrusive iris recognition system capable of capturing iris data even from a distance. IDEMIA’s technology is used for identity verification across various industries, including law enforcement, border control, and elections. IDEMIA’s algorithms have been highly ranked for their accuracy and reliability.
– CMITech. Known for high-performance iris recognition systems, CMITech created the EF-45 system, which uses deep learning algorithms for iris scanning. This system is used in settings where superior accuracy and performance are critical.
– Iris ID. Since 1997, Iris ID has been a key player in commercialising iris recognition technology. Their IrisAccess platform is widely deployed for applications like national ID programs and physical access control.
Looking Ahead
With World apparently standing at the forefront of a new frontier in digital identity, its success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with responsibility, build trust with users, and navigate the regulatory landscapes of different countries.
That said, the project’s potential appears to be vast. By creating a universal proof of personhood, World could fundamentally change how we interact online, enhancing security, privacy, and trust. The ability to redistribute wealth through cryptocurrency could also have profound economic implications, particularly in underbanked regions.
However, significant challenges remain. Addressing privacy concerns, ensuring equitable access, and achieving widespread adoption are all hurdles that World will need to overcome as it moves from concept to reality. The coming years will be critical in determining whether World can truly deliver on its ambitious promises.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
World’s iris-scanning technology, built to create a global ‘proof of personhood,’ could have profound implications for businesses across numerous sectors. In industries where identity verification is critical, such as financial services, e-commerce, healthcare, and social media, the adoption of such biometric-based systems could revolutionise how businesses authenticate users and protect against fraud. With AI increasingly capable of mimicking human behaviour, ensuring that a customer or user is truly human is becoming an essential requirement for maintaining security and trust.
In the financial sector, for example, banks and payment processors could benefit significantly from World’s technology. Biometric verification systems like the Orb could provide a more secure alternative to traditional passwords or PINs, thereby reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud in transactions. This could also streamline processes for Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, allowing businesses to verify identities quickly and accurately without relying on physical documents, which can be prone to forgery.
Similarly, e-commerce platforms could use World’s system to ensure that buyers and sellers are legitimate individuals, increasing trust and reducing scams or bot-driven fraud. As online transactions continue to grow globally, having a decentralised, tamper-proof verification system could give businesses a competitive edge by creating a more secure and reliable shopping experience.
Healthcare providers may also benefit from such biometric systems, where patient identity verification is crucial for medical records management and safeguarding sensitive health data. World’s secure iris-scanning technology could help prevent medical identity theft, improve the accuracy of patient records, and ensure that treatments and services are delivered to the correct individual.
In the realm of social media and online communication, the rise of deepfakes and impersonation presents a significant challenge to platform integrity. By integrating World’s iris-scanning system, platforms could drastically reduce the prevalence of bots and fake accounts. Verified users would be more likely to trust the interactions they have online, and platforms could maintain the authenticity of user-generated content.
Also, as the metaverse and virtual interactions continue to grow, companies involved in these emerging sectors could find enormous value in having a system that ensures users are real individuals. This could be particularly useful for businesses involved in virtual events, digital real estate, and immersive experiences where secure identity verification will be essential for building trust.
For businesses dealing with AI-generated content or interactions, integrating a human verification system could differentiate them in an increasingly automated world. It could offer a layer of trust that could be pivotal as AI continues to evolve. Verifying the authenticity of users interacting with AI-powered systems is likely to be a key factor in ensuring smooth human-machine collaborations.
The introduction of Altman’s World iris-scanning technology could, therefore, open up opportunities across a variety of industries that require secure, fast, and private verification systems. By embracing this biometric solution, businesses could not only protect themselves against fraud and misuse but also offer a more streamlined, user-friendly experience to their customers. In the coming years, as AI, automation, and digital interactions continue to grow, these systems could prove to be a cornerstone of trusted business operations, shaping the way we interact in both physical and digital worlds.