Biometric Identification through Iris Scanning Now Active with Special Visa Card
In a groundbreaking move, World, a company co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is set to launch its blockchain-based identity verification system in six US cities: Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, and San Francisco.
The system, which uses a spherical biometrics device called Orb for iris scanning, aims to create a decentralised identity solution. After scanning, users receive an IrisCode verifying their identity and some of the company's crypto, WLD.
With the acquired World ID, users can access an exclusive World Visa card. This digital identity can also be used to sign into platforms like Minecraft, Reddit, and Discord, offering a seamless and secure login experience.
However, the project has faced challenges due to privacy concerns. Both Spain and Portugal temporarily banned World IDs, and Brazil has banned all of World's operations, citing concerns that users were being compensated with crypto in exchange for personal data.
Despite these hurdles, biometric identification is gaining momentum due to its potential for a frictionless customer experience. The widespread adoption of smartphones has normalized fingerprint and facial recognition scanning for many users.
World's technology is based on zero-knowledge proofing, a method that allows for the verification of a user's identity without revealing sensitive personal data. This approach aims to address privacy concerns and build trust with users.
The incentives offered by World to entice consumers to participate remain uncertain. The company's ambitious plans for the Orb device, formerly known as Worldcoin, include its integration into self-service checkouts and kiosks.
World has also partnered with online dating company Match Group, suggesting potential applications beyond identity verification. However, integration with OpenAI, another company co-founded by Sam Altman, is not yet planned.
The system requires users to visit physical scanning stations and voluntarily enroll, adding a layer of friction to the process. The founder of the company that manufactures the Orb device and coordinates the World project remains unidentified in the provided search results.
As World continues to roll out its identity verification system in the US, it will be interesting to see how privacy concerns and public acceptance shape its future.
