Altman himself is pushing a cryptocurrency project using iris scanning
Date: 2024-10-18 Author: Henry Casey Categories: BUSINESS
The project’s main product is the so-called World ID, which acts as a digital passport that proves that its owner is a real person and not an artificial intelligence. This identifier is especially important for distinguishing users from AI-driven online chatbots.
On Thursday, at an event in San Francisco, the company unveiled a new version of the iris scanning device, which has improved security and privacy, as well as 5G support. In addition, World Network announced new ways to make its devices easier to access, including opening specialty retail locations and a partnership with Latin American delivery service Rappi to expand access to “orbs.”
To obtain a World ID, users must undergo an iris scanning process using the World Network device, which is a silver ball about the size of a bowling ball. Once the device is successfully verified, a unique World ID is created, which confirms that the person is real. As an incentive for signing up, users in some countries receive the cryptocurrency WLD.
The project is run by Tools for Humanity, a company based in San Francisco and Erlangen, Germany. Since its launch in July 2023, more than 6.9 million people have already signed up to have their irises scanned.
However, the project has faced criticism from privacy advocates who are concerned about the collection and storage of personal data. Earlier this year, Spain and Portugal temporarily banned the project, while authorities in Argentina and the UK said they would investigate the World Network.
