Check how Worldcoin’s digital id system can aid organizations in achieving their objectives
A senior official for the business behind the initiative told Reuters that Worldcoin would extend its operations to sign up additional people internationally. It hopes to let other companies utilize its iris-scanning and identity-verifying technology.
Worldcoin, which Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, co-founded, went live last week. As part of efforts to build an “identity and financial network,” users had to submit iris scans in return for a digital ID and, in certain countries, free Bitcoin.
People have been having their faces scanned by a shiny, spherical “orb” at sign-up sites worldwide, dismissing the worries of privacy activists that the biometric information may be exploited. Worldcoin says 2.2 million people have registered, primarily during a test phase over the last two years. According to data watchdogs in Britain, France, and Germany, the scheme is being investigated.
According to Ricardo Macieira, general manager for Europe at Tools For Humanity, the San Francisco and Berlin-based business driving the initiative, “We are on this mission to build the biggest financial and identity community that we can.”
Worldcoin raised $115 million (about Rs 95,150 crore) in an investment round in May from venture capitalists such as Blockchain Capital, a16z crypto, Bain Capital Crypto, and Distributed Global. Continually expanding its activities, according to Macieira, is Worldcoin’s plan for Europe, Latin America, Africa, and “all the parts of the world that will accept us.”
The Worldcoin website lists several potential uses, albeit these outcomes are not assured. These include separating people from artificial intelligence, facilitating “global democratic processes,” and illuminating a “potential path” to universal basic income.
Most individuals surveyed by Reuters at sign-up pages in Britain, India, and Japan last week said they joined to take advantage of the 25 free Worldcoin tokens the business claims verified users are eligible for.
“We won’t likely be the ones producing universal basic income. We would be delighted if we could provide the necessary infrastructure to enable governments or other organizations to carry out their functions,” said Macieira.
Most Reuters contacted at sign-up pages in Britain, India, and Japan last week said they joined to benefit from the 25 free Worldcoin tokens the company claims verified users are qualified for.
It’s unlikely that we’ll be the ones generating universal basic income. Providing the infrastructure required for governments or other groups to carry out their duties would be our greatest pleasure, according to Macieira.
