The startup World, led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has launched a digital identification system in the US that allows distinguishing humans from AI through iris scanning.
G. Ostrov
The startup World, led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has officially launched its service in the United States. The company introduced an innovative digital identification system designed to solve one of the most pressing modern problems – the ability to distinguish a real person from artificial intelligence online.
To obtain a digital "proof of personhood," users need to undergo an iris scan using a special Orb device. It is important to note that for registering in the World system, participants are rewarded with Worldcoin cryptocurrency equivalent to $49.
Why is this needed?
"Our goal is to find a reliable way to ensure that humans remain distinct and central figures in a world where the internet will be filled with content generated by artificial intelligence," Sam Altman explained the concept.
According to the creators' idea, the Worldcoin cryptocurrency could become a tool for the fair distribution of income generated by powerful artificial intelligence systems. In the future, this could transform into a universal basic income system on a global scale.
World offers a universal human verification mechanism that allows financial transactions between verified users without the involvement of traditional banking structures or government-issued identification.
Security and Privacy
Company representatives claim that their system fully complies with personal data protection laws. World does not directly store iris images, but only converts them into unique numerical codes.
Despite these assurances, the project has faced regulatory issues in several countries. For example, in Spain and Hong Kong, local regulators have expressed concerns about possible financial fraud associated with registration rewards.
At the same time, in the United States, despite strict legislation, Altman's company has successfully launched its service. According to World's plans, by the end of this year, about 7.5 thousand Orb devices will be installed in major American cities to obtain World ID.
Global Presence
Currently, the World user base exceeds 12 million people. The service has gained the most popularity in developing countries such as Indonesia and Kenya. However, analysts attribute this not so much to the concern of residents of these countries about their digital identity in the age of AI, but to the attractive financial incentive for completing the registration procedure.
The discussion about the need for a "proof of personhood" continues to gain momentum. Supporters see this technology as a protection of human uniqueness in the digital age, while skeptics express concerns about privacy and the potential use of biometric data.
More detailed information about the World project can be found on the official website.
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