Launched in July 2023, Worldcoin uses the Orb device to scan irises and create unique digital identities|@Worldcoin|X
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s Worldcoin venture faces global scrutiny for its iris scan-based identification and cryptocurrency payment system. Verified in 40 countries with over six million users, the project is encountering major setbacks.
Authorities have raided its operations in Hong Kong offices, blocked it in Spain, fined it in Argentina, and initiated a criminal investigation in Kenya, where police seized the Orbs over data privacy and consent issues.
Meanwhile, the European Union is expected to make a ruling soon on whether Worldcoin can continue operating in its jurisdiction.
Launched in July 2023, Worldcoin uses the Orb device to scan irises and create unique digital identities, claiming superior reliability over fingerprints or facial recognition. The project’s cryptocurrency, WLD, is valued at around $15 billion.
Critics worry about the potential misuse of biometric data. Worldcoin, however, insists on deleting images after verification and using anonymized data.