Sam Altman’s cryptocurrency project, Worldcoin, has announced a rebrand to World Network as part of an intensified effort to expand its global iris-scanning program. The project’s core objective is to provide a World ID, a digital identity that verifies a person is human, helping to differentiate them from AI bots. The system uses biometric data gathered through its signature “orb” devices, which scan a person’s iris.
At an event in San Francisco, Sam Altman’s World Network unveiled a new version of its orb, equipped with 5G connectivity and enhanced privacy and security features. The company also announced partnerships and initiatives aimed at bringing orbs to more people worldwide, including dedicated retail locations and a collaboration with Rappi, a Latin American delivery service, to expand access to the devices.
What is World Network’s Orb and World ID?
The orb, a silver device about the size of a bowling ball, scans a person’s iris to verify their identity as a real human being. Once authenticated, users receive a World ID, a digital identity that can be used online to prove they are not an AI chatbot. In select countries, users are also rewarded with the cryptocurrency token WLD after registering.
Since its launch in July 2023, Sam Altman has attracted over 6.9 million signups, according to Tools for Humanity, the company behind World Network, which operates out of San Francisco and Erlangen, Germany.
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Privacy Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny
Despite the project’s rapid growth, Sam Altman’s World Network has faced significant scrutiny over concerns regarding the collection, storage, and use of personal data, especially biometric information. Privacy advocates have raised alarms over how such sensitive data will be protected and whether it could be misused.
Governments in Spain and Portugal temporarily banned the project earlier this year, while Argentina and Britain are also reviewing its operations to assess compliance with data protection regulations.
What’s Next for World Network?
In response to these concerns, Sam Altman has emphasized its commitment to improving privacy protections with the latest iteration of the orb. The company’s strategy involves a large-scale deployment of orbs across various regions, with Latin America emerging as a key focus due to its partnership with Rappi.
The rebrand to World Network and the technological upgrades are part of an effort to position the project for global expansion and deeper integration into everyday life. The company believes its World ID will play a crucial role in verifying digital identity, particularly as AI technology proliferates.
World Network is pushing the boundaries of digital identity verification by leveraging biometric data through its orb devices. While the project’s ambitious goals are reshaping the way people think about online identity, it continues to face scrutiny regarding privacy and data security. As the global rollout continues, the success of the initiative will likely hinge on addressing these concerns while maintaining its innovative edge in the rapidly evolving crypto space.
