The controversial iris scanning orb project, which seeks individuals’ biometric data in exchange for free cryptocurrency, is finally live in US Soil. The project is courtesy of the World Crypto Project, run by Sam Altman.
According to a press release by World, the company will start using the iris-scanning Orb in several US cities and offer them Worldcoin (WLD), a crypto asset associated with the blockchain, for the first time in the United States.
Biometric Data through the Iris Scanning Orb
The company said it would be rolling out at least 7,500 iris-scanning orbs across several cities by the end of 2025. During the Wednesday announcement, the firm stated its orbs were already in six major US cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
While it toured its orbs around the US in earlier promotional efforts, it stopped short of offering full services stateside.
Any user who offers biometric data through the iris-scanning Orb will receive 16 WLD, while those who register with the World App will receive a “pioneer grant” of 150 WLD tokens.
Users can transfer the digital asset or trade it within the World Cryptocurrency Project Wallet app and send their WLD or other cryptocurrencies via a private chat service integrated into the App.
Controversy has surrounded the Sam Altman project
Make Digital Assets More Practical
The World Crypto Project explained further that, in addition to its App, the firm was taking a giant step to bridge the gap between cryptocurrencies and traditional finance systems.
The firm announced it was partnering with Visa to launch a debit card that would automatically convert WLD tokens into fiat currencies at designated checkouts, a move the World Crypto Project believes would make digital assets more practical for daily use.
Previously, the World Crypto Project terms and conditions prevented US citizens from receiving WLD tokens paid to anyone receiving a World ID through the iris scanning Orb due to regulatory challenges.
Nonetheless, the changes in the crypto space since Donald Trump entered the White House have motivated Sam Altman to make the move. The company’s statement said:
“The United States of America stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation. It’s time for the World’s AI hub to embrace the essential counterpart: proof of human […] World launches in the USA.”
7,500 orbs planned by end of 2025
Backlash from Regulators
The iris-scanning orb project has received severe backlash from regulators, privacy groups, and data watchdogs across the World. Police in some countries have raided numerous World outposts, which has led to the project being suspended in places like Hong Kong. In Germany, the government demanded in December that World delete biometric data over GDPR violations, but later appealed the decision. In February, Brazilian regulators denied an appeal by World to lift restrictions on its operations in the country.
Conclusion
Globally, Sam Altman of the World Crypto Project claims over 12 million people have joined the platform by submitting to the iris scanning Orb, with at least 400,000 signing up during the last week. The company believes its biometric credential is necessary proof of personhood in a world increasingly overrun by AI-generated content, which they think is a threat. Ironically, Sam Altman helped create through his leadership at OpenAI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name for the iris scanning crypto project?
Sam Altman’s eyeball-scanning crypto project has a new Orb and name. Worldcoin is now just World, but nothing about this is getting simpler.
How does the Worldcoin orb work?
The Orb takes a picture of a user’s iris without storing your data or requiring additional eye scans to check your identity and generate an Iris Code.
What is Worldcoin used for?
Worldcoin (WLD) is a crypto project aiming to create a global identity network using biometric data and a unique cryptocurrency.
Appendix: Glossary to Key Terms
Worldcoin (WLD): An app that provides simple and easy access to the World associated with World Chain, a blockchain designed for real humans.
Eye scanning orb: A biometric device that scans an individual’s irises to generate a unique identifier, called a “World ID,” which can be used to prove they are an exceptional human.
Reference
World Coin
Read More: Sam Altman Brings Eyeball-Scanning Crypto to America and 7,500 Orbs Are Coming">Sam Altman Brings Eyeball-Scanning Crypto to America and 7,500 Orbs Are Coming
