OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has launched a trailblazing digital currency and identity project named Worldcoin. The project, which has been in the works for several years, was officially launched on Monday. The unique feature of Worldcoin is its ability to verify a user’s authenticity by eye scans, aiming to tackle the complications introduced by AI advancements, which have blurred the line between human and machine-generated content.
Samuel Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and one of the co-founders of Worldcoin has previously been a vocal advocate for the responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence.
Worldcoin’s standout feature is its signature eye-scanning “orb”, a device that users must interact with in person. This orb assigns a distinctive digital identity to each user, ensuring they are human, not a bot. Once verified, users gain access to the Worldcoin cryptocurrency and its associated app, which enables transactions, purchases, and transfers, amongst other functions.
The Worldcoin project has already amassed over 2 million users in its beta phase. The team announced plans to extend its eye-scanning operations to 35 cities in 20 different countries. They also confirmed that the Worldcoin cryptocurrency token has been disbursed to eligible beta participants and is now available for trading. Several exchanges, including Binance, the largest global crypto exchange in terms of trading volume, have either listed the token or plan to do so.
Worldcoin co-founder Alex Blania has emphasized the importance of proving human identity in the modern era of AI. He noted that the venture aspires to create a “privacy-first, decentralized and maximally inclusive” solution to this issue.
However, the availability of Worldcoin in the United States remains uncertain, as per a Financial Times report. Amidst the US regulators’ efforts to increase scrutiny over digital assets due to concerns of fraud and speculation, it is unclear when or if the Worldcoin cryptocurrency will be available in the country. Altman has indicated that the project’s success is not solely contingent on US acceptance.
The Worldcoin initiative has had its share of criticism since its initial launch. Major concerns stem from the collection, storage, and usage of biometric data for user verification and potential privacy threats. Critics argue that rewarding early adopters with cryptocurrency seems like an extreme inducement. Some also contest the project’s core premise of using blockchain to identify users, considering the technology’s typical use for anonymity.
Despite these challenges, Altman has expressed an ambitious goal of registering 2 billion users on the Worldcoin platform. However, the pace at which the company will scale, especially considering the requirement for in-person interactions, remains uncertain. Worldcoin’s website has revealed that they are actively enlisting orb operators in more locations and have already produced 2,000 orbs.
Altman stressed the significance of a project like Worldcoin in the AI age, where distinguishing between human and machine output is increasingly difficult. He stated, “Like any really ambitious project, maybe it works out and maybe it doesn’t, but trying stuff like this is how progress happens.” He also humorously encouraged critics, asserting that their criticism energizes the team.