Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project co-founded by Sam Altman, is using iris-scanning technology to verify users and distinguish them from AI. The project employs a spherical device called an “Orb” to scan people’s irises, creating a unique digital identifier. This verification aims to address the growing concern of distinguishing humans from AI bots online, particularly in areas like online voting and preventing fraud.
However, Worldcoin's approach has raised privacy concerns. The company asserts that the iris scans are not stored but are instead used to generate a unique code. Despite these assurances, regulators in several countries are scrutinising the project's data collection and storage practices. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is among those evaluating whether the project complies with data protection laws.
Worldcoin argues that its technology is essential for creating a fair digital future where human identity can be reliably verified. As AI continues to advance, the need for such verification methods may become more pressing, but the balance between privacy and utility remains a key challenge for Worldcoin and similar initiatives.
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