Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and a notable figure in the tech industry, has officially launched his controversial crypto project in the United States under a new name: World. Previously known as Worldcoin, the initiative is designed to verify digital identities using iris scans, and in return, reward users with cryptocurrency.
Despite being met with skepticism and regulatory scrutiny in various countries, the project has already made significant global traction, boasting over 11 million verified users across multiple continents.
What is ‘World’?
At its core, World is a digital identity protocol aimed at distinguishing humans from AI in a future where synthetic content and bots could blur the lines of reality. World achieves this by offering individuals the opportunity to scan their iris using a device called an Orb. This scan generates a unique World ID, which acts as proof-of-personhood while maintaining user privacy through zero-knowledge cryptography.
Why It Matters
The launch of World in the U.S. is a major milestone, signaling the project’s intent to expand despite previous legal and ethical hurdles. Several governments and regulators have expressed concern about biometric data collection, with some countries temporarily halting the project due to data privacy risks.
However, Altman’s team claims the project prioritizes user privacy and aims to provide the infrastructure for digital identity in a decentralized, AI-driven world.
Key highlights:
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11 million+ users verified globally.
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Digital ID with privacy: Uses zero-knowledge proofs to protect user identity.
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Crypto rewards: Users receive tokens in exchange for participation.
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U.S. launch amid scrutiny: The project proceeds despite past legal pushback.
The Vision Behind the Project
According to Sam Altman, World is more than just a crypto initiative. It’s a long-term vision to establish a universal digital identity system that can help:
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Distinguish real people from AI agents.
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Enable fair distribution of crypto-based universal basic income (UBI).
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Create a global network where access and identity are not tied to nationality, race, or wealth.
Altman envisions a future where such systems are essential for safeguarding democracy and digital rights in the age of AI proliferation.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its ambitious vision, the World project has not escaped criticism. Critics argue:
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Biometric data misuse: Even with encryption, collecting iris data raises ethical concerns.
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Global inequality: Targeting economically vulnerable populations for iris scans in exchange for tokens is seen by some as exploitative.
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Regulatory uncertainty: The legal status of biometric crypto systems remains unclear in many jurisdictions.
Still, the project’s momentum and backing by major tech figures suggest it’s not going away anytime soon.
With its U.S. launch, Sam Altman’s World project is set to reshape how we think about identity and value exchange in the digital world. Whether it becomes the global standard or a cautionary tale remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: it’s redefining the conversation about identity, privacy, and crypto in the age of AI.
