Sam Altman, the architect of ChatGPT, is rolling out an orb that verifies you’re human
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and the mastermind behind ChatGPT, has launched a new venture aimed at addressing a pressing modern-day issue: proving one’s humanity in a world filled with bots and artificial intelligence. The startup, known as World (formerly Worldcoin), is making its debut in the U.S. by distributing 20,000 Orbs – high-tech devices that scan a person’s retina to confirm their human identity.
Once a person’s humanity is verified, World creates a digital ID for the user, distinguishing them from bots or AI programs that can mimic human behavior. This innovative device, resembling something out of a “Black Mirror” episode, may seem paradoxical coming from Altman, considering his involvement in developing such technologies. However, World’s supporters argue that the Orb and its “proof of personhood” feature address a crucial problem across various sectors, from finance to online dating: the prevalence of bots impersonating real people.
The Orb serves as a privacy-centric solution for individuals to prove their humanity in a landscape increasingly dominated by AI and bots, as noted by Jake Brukhman, co-founder of CoinFund, one of the project’s early backers. The significance of distinguishing humans from AI has become more pronounced as artificial intelligence continues to permeate various facets of daily life.
Although World initially launched outside the U.S. in 2023, it faced criticism and privacy concerns in several jurisdictions, prompting shutdowns by governments in countries like Kenya, Hong Kong, and Spain. Brukhman emphasized that misconceptions about the Orb’s functionality contributed to the initial backlash, clarifying that the device does not store biometric data but instead transfers the information to the user’s device for storage.
Furthermore, World’s connection to cryptocurrencies is evident through the Orb’s integration with the World App, a digital wallet enabling access to decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies. With expectations of more favorable crypto regulations under the Trump administration, World is poised to introduce the Orbs in select U.S. cities, including Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, and San Francisco, as well as at gaming retailer Razer.
Brukhman highlighted Altman’s expertise and vision in the realm of digital identity, suggesting that the U.S. rollout will significantly boost user adoption on the network. By offering physical locations for individuals to undergo human verification, World aims to streamline the process and enhance the credibility of its digital ID system.
In conclusion, World’s innovative approach to verifying human identity in a world dominated by AI and bots underscores the importance of maintaining authenticity and privacy in digital interactions. Altman’s leadership and the Orb’s distinctive features position World as a pioneering force in addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements.
