Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is making headlines again—but this time, it’s not about AI. His other project, Worldcoin, has officially launched its eye-scanning device, called the Orb, in six U.S. cities. The device scans people’s irises in exchange for a digital ID and, potentially, cryptocurrency. While some hail it as the future of secure digital identity, others are waving privacy red flags.
What Is the Eye-Scanning Device?
The device is a shiny, futuristic sphere called the Orb. It scans a person’s iris to create a unique biometric identifier. The idea is to confirm that you’re a real, unique human—not a bot—without linking your identity to your real name or other personal data. After the scan, users are issued a “World ID,” which can be used to access services or receive Worldcoin tokens in the future.
Where Has It Launched?
As of this writing, the eye-scanning device is available in six U.S. cities:
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Miami
- Houston
- Atlanta
Pop-up locations and mobile Orbs are being used to bring the device directly to interested users.
Why Is It Controversial?
The eye-scanning device has sparked debate for a few reasons:
- Privacy Concerns: Critics are uneasy about handing over biometric data, even if Worldcoin claims it doesn’t store raw iris scans. The potential for misuse or hacking remains a concern.
- Data Sovereignty: Some question whether a private company—especially one with global reach—should control a universal identity system.
- Consent and Transparency: Past trials in developing countries have faced criticism over unclear consent practices, leading to increased skepticism about the rollout in the U.S.
What Does Sam Altman Say?
Altman argues that as AI advances, distinguishing real humans from bots will become essential. Worldcoin’s eye-scanning device, he says, is a secure and decentralized solution to that problem. The project aims to offer access to digital services for everyone, especially those who lack formal identification.
Should You Try It?
If you’re privacy-conscious, you may want to wait and see how the public rollout plays out. If you’re curious and comfortable with biometric tech, you might consider giving it a look—literally. Just be sure to read the fine print before you let anyone scan your eyes.
Final Thoughts
Sam Altman’s eye-scanning device is here, and it’s already generating buzz. Whether it’s a revolution in identity verification or just a new form of digital surveillance is still up for debate. Either way, its launch in six U.S. cities is likely just the beginning.
