Written by Anna Tong
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – WorldCoin, the cryptocurrency project founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, on Thursday rebranded itself as World Network, using its “orb” device to The company announced that it is stepping up efforts to scan iris.
Its core product is World ID, which the company calls a “digital passport” that proves its holder is a real human and can tell the difference from online AI chatbots. can.
The World Network, which has faced increased scrutiny over data collection, unveiled a new version of its iris-scanning device, the Orb, at an event in San Francisco on Thursday, saying it has 5G connectivity and enhanced privacy and security features. Announced.
It also revealed a number of new ways to make orbs more accessible, including dedicated retail stores and a partnership with Latin American delivery service Rappi to bring orbs to people.
To obtain a World ID, customers sign up for an in-person iris scan using the World Network's “orb,” a silver sphere about the size of a bowling ball.
Once the orb's iris scan confirms that the person is a real human, a world ID is created. As a lure, those who sign up in certain countries will receive a cryptocurrency token called WLD.
The company behind World Network is Tools for Humanity, based in San Francisco and Erlangen, Germany. The company says more than 6.9 million people have registered to have their iris scanned since the project launched in July 2023.
Privacy activists have criticized the project over its collection, storage and use of personal data.
Earlier this year, Spain and Portugal issued temporary bans, while Argentina and the United Kingdom announced they would investigate World Network.
(Reporting by Anna Tong in San Francisco; Editing by Sonali Paul)
