May 30, 2025
In an ambitious effort to curb AI-driven fraud, World ID—a project supported by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—has introduced its iris-scanning identity verification system in six major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. Using a device called the Orb, the system scans users’ irises to generate a unique “IrisCode,” which is then stored on a blockchain to confirm a person’s humanity without recording personal data. Participants receive a World ID for use on platforms like Reddit and Telegram, along with a $40 WLD cryptocurrency reward. The initiative aims to address growing challenges in online identity verification, with plans to expand to 7,500 Orbs and reach 180 million users in the U.S. by the end of 2025. Globally, over 26 million people have already enrolled, and partnerships with companies like Visa and Match Group suggest the project’s vision extends far beyond crypto.
However, World ID's rollout has sparked fierce backlash from privacy advocates and regulators alike. Critics warn that collecting and storing biometric data—especially something as unchangeable as an iris pattern—could create serious security vulnerabilities. Countries such as Spain, Argentina, Kenya, and Hong Kong have already suspended or investigated the project over data collection concerns. While World’s developers insist their cryptographic and decentralized storage methods prevent misuse, many remain skeptical, particularly given the irony that Altman—whose AI innovations helped create the current digital trust crisis—is now behind a global identity initiative. Despite assurances from the team at Tools for Humanity, including CISO Adrian Ludwig, who stresses the system’s security architecture, the debate over biometric surveillance and its implications for civil liberties continues to intensify.
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SOURCE: Fox News