Sam Altman’s project, Worldcoin, has resurfaced with updates after a period of silence. Worldcoin aims to distinguish humans from machines in an AI-driven world via a “proof of personhood” system.
The project employs the Orb device to scan individuals’ irises, converting the data into cryptographic codes. Participants receive periodic WLD token distributions, akin to a universal basic income. By the end of 2023, over 4 million people had participated, excluding U.S. residents, each receiving 25 WLD tokens valued at $8.25.
Controversies have marred Worldcoin’s progress, including a data breach involving the Orb device. The U.S. government has intervened, urging Kenya to lift its suspension on Worldcoin’s operations, but Kenya has maintained the halt.
This highlights broader concerns about privacy and the global reach of biometric data collection, revealing the U.S. government’s involvement in supporting the project.
