Sam Altman's crypto-based project World ID launches Orb Mini device to end bot problems; here's how

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman-backed Tools for Humanity startup has launched a human verification crypto project called 'World' in the US. As part of this project, the company has unveiled a smartphone-like device, which aims to correctly define the difference between a human and computer-generated AI bots in a world where the line between human and machine is blurring by the day.

The company has unveiled a smartphone-like device with two sensors called 'Orb Mini' during the “At Last” event in San Francisco. The hardware device is slated to be launched for public by next year. The World project ecosystem comprises World ID, World App, World Chain, and World Coin. Orb Mini scans people’s irises, which then generates a unique user ID, called World ID. This identity information is stored on the blockchain, identifying you as a real human being. Using World ID, individuals will be able to prove that they are a real, unique human to any platform that integrates with the protocol.

Tools for Humanity is aiming to open World Network open storefronts in different states of the US. The company claims around 26 million people have already signed up, reported TechCrunch, adding that 12 million of them are verified already.

The company says this will enable fair airdrops, provide protection against bots or sybil attacks on social media, and enable the fairer distribution of limited resources. "World ID can also enable global democratic processes and novel forms of governance (e.g., via quadratic voting), and it may eventually support a path to AI-funded UBI."

So what can you do to sign up for this project? To engage with the World Network protocol, individuals must first download the World App, then visit a physical imaging device called the Orb to get their World ID Orb-verified. Most Orbs are operated by a network of independent local businesses called Orb Operators. The Orb uses multispectral sensors to verify humanness and uniqueness to issue an Orb-verified World ID, with all images being promptly deleted on-device by default (absent explicit consent to Data Custody).

World ID allows people to sign in and authenticate into web, mobile and decentralised applications and anonymously attest that they are a unique human and not a bot or AI system. By signing in with World ID to apps and services, they do not need to disclose any personal information, such as a phone number or email address.

The company says the World ID is not linked to biometric data. Even though it uses iris scans (via the Orb) for verification, one's actual iris photos or codes are never shared when you use World ID. Actions taken with World ID are not linked to a person's iris photos or iris code, and third parties cannot link different actions taken with someone’s World ID through World ID data.

It is also not connected to your self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet, as both are separate key pairs with separate keys that serve different purposes. The company claims anyone can use World ID without providing information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers or social profiles. 

Despite the excitement around Sam Altman's World ID project, some serious concerns are also being raised, including privacy risks, surveillance fears, and ethical issues.