Sam Altman's world introduces iris-scanning digital ID to the United States

Sam Altman's World launches iris-scanning ID in the US to combat AI fraud.

: Sam Altman has introduced his digital identity startup, World, into the US market following its global presence since 2023. This initiative involves the use of Orb scanners to create digital IDs by scanning irises, helping to distinguish humans from AI, especially in the era of growing AI-driven scams. The launch supports the US aim to lead in digital assets, leveraging cryptocurrency amidst regulatory challenges. Despite privacy concerns, World plans to roll out 7,500 Orbs within the US and introduce a portable version next year.

Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, has launched his iris-scanning digital ID project—now rebranded as “World”—in the United States. Developed by Tools for Humanity, the project issues a “World ID” after scanning users’ irises with a device called the Orb. This ID aims to verify a person is human in an AI-driven world. Early adopters in the U.S. can receive up to 150 Worldcoin (WLD) tokens, valued around $40. World is opening registration centers in major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, with plans to roll out 10,000 Orbs nationwide.

The company is partnering with major players like Visa, Stripe, and Match Group to build use cases for the World ID. A new Visa-backed World Card will let users spend WLD tokens like a regular debit card, and Tinder plans to pilot identity verification using World ID in Japan. These integrations are positioned to reduce fraud and improve trust across digital platforms.

However, the initiative faces mounting criticism from privacy experts and digital rights advocates. Concerns center around collecting and storing sensitive biometric data. Although World says iris scans are encrypted and deleted after processing, some experts argue the risks of biometric misuse or future breaches remain high. The project has also been criticized for lacking clear benefits for users in exchange for their sensitive data.

Internationally, regulators are raising red flags. Several countries, including France, Spain, and Kenya, have either suspended or scrutinized World’s operations due to privacy or financial security concerns. Despite this, World claims over 12 million users worldwide and plans to continue expanding in crypto-friendly jurisdictions.

Ultimately, Altman envisions World ID as a foundation for future applications like Universal Basic Income (UBI) distribution or secure AI-human interactions. Whether this ambitious project gains global traction will depend on how effectively it can balance innovation with transparency, privacy, and regulatory compliance.

Sources: TechSpot Business Insider, CBS News, Wired

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