OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's controversial crypto project World aims to reach 180 million people by launching 7,500 eye-scanning devices across the United States.
World, one of the recent innovations in the U.S. crypto ecosystem, announced that it will make its global devices that scan people's eyes for identity verification available in six major innovation centers by the end of the year, including Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
These devices, made of steel and resembling bowling balls, are called 'orbs'. Users will enter the World application by scanning their eyes with these devices and will receive the project's own cryptocurrency, Worldcoin (WLD) tokens, for free in return. By the end of the year, it is planned for 180 million U.S. citizens to benefit from this technology.
One of the most striking aspects of the project is that a new Visa debit card will be launched, allowing users to convert WLD tokens into real money. Additionally, users will be able to access crypto-backed loans through the decentralized credit protocol Morpho, and participate in prediction markets on the Kalshi platform. Furthermore, in collaboration with Match Group, World ID technology will be used for age verification of Tinder users in Japan.
Altman stated that the purpose of the project is to 'keep people unique and significant in the age of artificial intelligence,' emphasizing that content generated by AI needs to be distinguished from human-created content. Although the eye-scanning technology developed in this context may initially seem 'very crazy,' it is expected to provide a real solution.
With Donald Trump's inauguration in January, a more friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies emerged in the U.S., accelerating the expansion of projects like World nationwide. In line with these developments, the company announced it will establish a new factory in the Richardson area of Texas to accelerate the production of the devices. Following the initial cities, Seattle, Orlando, San Diego, and Las Vegas will also start using the orb devices.
Alex Blania, co-founder of Tools for Humanity, stated in a statement that the devices will be integrated into daily life, saying, 'You will even be able to verify your identity within 10 minutes at gas stations and supermarkets.'