Inside Sam Altman’s plan to scan everyone’s eyeballs

Revolutionary biometric verification system sparks global debate: Sam Altman‘s startup, World (formerly Worldcoin), has unveiled a new version of its eye-scanning orb technology, aiming to differentiate humans from AI in the digital realm.

The big picture: World’s ambitious goal is to scan the eyes of one billion people within the next few years, raising questions about privacy, data protection, and the future of digital identity verification.

• The company has already scanned 15 million people’s eyes, with significant uptake in economically disadvantaged countries and cities like Santiago, Lisbon, and Buenos Aires.
• World’s technology is designed to create a “new layer of infrastructure” for verifying human identity in an increasingly AI-driven world.
• The startup’s focus on Latin America and other developing regions has drawn criticism and regulatory scrutiny from various countries.

Technology and implementation: World’s eye-scanning orbs represent a cutting-edge approach to biometric verification, with plans for widespread deployment.

• The futuristic orbs, resembling giant white eyeballs, are designed to be placed in coffee shops, purpose-built storefronts, and even delivered to people’s homes “like a pizza.”
• World argues that traditional methods of identity verification, such as facial scans and documents, can be easily faked or falsified in the age of advanced AI.
• The company claims that eye scans are the most reliable way to verify humanity, given the increasing sophistication of AI-generated content and deepfakes.

Cryptocurrency connection and economic implications: World’s technology is closely tied to cryptocurrency distribution, raising questions about its economic impact and potential exploitation.

• The company reportedly hands over cryptocurrency called Worldcoin, worth around $2, after an eye scan, although this practice is not universal for all participants.
• World has already distributed 50 million of its Ethereum-backed coins worldwide, demonstrating the scale of its operations.
• The value of Worldcoin dropped by approximately 10% immediately following the company’s announcements, highlighting the volatility of the associated cryptocurrency.

Privacy concerns and regulatory challenges: World’s ambitious plans have faced significant pushback from data protection authorities and privacy advocates worldwide.

• Spanish regulators have ordered the company to cease operations in the country, citing concerns over biometric data collection and processing under European data protection laws.
• South Korean authorities previously fined World $1 million for data protection violations.
• The company initially ignored Kenyan authorities’ orders to stop eye scans before the investigation was dropped.
• World claims it does not retain personal information and only uses the scans to verify human identity, storing proof of humanity on the blockchain.

Global expansion and partnerships: Despite regulatory challenges, World is actively pursuing partnerships and expansion opportunities in various countries.

• The company is working with the Taiwanese government to integrate its services into national identity systems, though not as a replacement for existing infrastructure.
• World has partnered with academic institutions, including the UC Berkeley Center for Responsible, Decentralized Intelligence, to develop secure and distributed data storage methods.
• The startup’s scanning shops in Mexico City and Buenos Aires showcase the company’s commitment to physical presence in target markets.

Ethical considerations and societal impact: The rapid adoption of World’s technology in economically disadvantaged regions raises important questions about consent, exploitation, and the long-term consequences of biometric data collection.

• Critics argue that the company’s focus on developing countries may exploit vulnerable populations who are more likely to exchange personal data for cryptocurrency.
• The ease with which users can sell the cryptocurrency they receive after eye scans has been acknowledged by the company, potentially creating new economic dynamics in target markets.
• World’s technology also aims to combat deepfakes in video calls, addressing a growing concern in the digital age.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and responsibility: As World continues to expand its eye-scanning technology globally, the startup faces the challenge of navigating complex ethical, legal, and societal issues.

• The company’s success in achieving its goal of scanning one billion eyes will largely depend on its ability to address privacy concerns and regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions.
• The long-term implications of creating a global biometric identity system tied to cryptocurrency distribution remain uncertain and could potentially reshape digital interactions and economic systems in unforeseen ways.
• As AI technology continues to advance, the need for reliable human verification methods may become increasingly pressing, potentially driving further innovation in this space.