Biometric identity verification stations are gaining popularity
The new version of the Orb by a startup called World can identify an individual by scanning their iris very quickly. (World pic)
PARIS : The startup called World, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has announced the launch of its first biometric identification terminals in the US. They enable users to verify their identity by scanning their irises.
World's mission is to create a global network of digital identity and financial services, based on a biometric identity verification technology called World ID.
This is done primarily via a mobile app, but also via spherical devices, capable of scanning users' irises to uniquely and securely verify their identity. Installed since 2023 and in small numbers in overseas locations, these 'Orbs' are now coming to the US.
People in the US can verify their World ID with these devices, which are currently installed in six cities (Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville and San Francisco), as well as in Razer gaming stores. The company hopes to roll out several thousand of these nationwide very soon.
Basically, the device captures an image of the user's iris and extracts a digital representation, which is then converted into a unique identifier, the World ID, to prove that the user is a human being and not a bot.
In exchange for this verification, users can receive Worldcoin (WLD) tokens, the cryptocurrency associated with the project.
To do this, users can download the World App, locate a nearby Orb, then go to the location to have their iris scanned and prove that they are indeed human.
This technology enables them to access digital services requiring identity verification, participate in cryptocurrency distribution programmes and, above all, protect themselves against online fraud.
In terms of security, World claims that biometric data is not stored in any identifiable way, and that iris fragments are anonymised and therefore cannot be used to trace the user's identity. As for the late deployment of Orbs in the US, this is mainly due to regulatory, strategic and social reasons.
The startup's ambition is to one day reach the milestone of one billion human beings worldwide who can be identified in this way.
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