Sam Altman's Eye-Scanning Identity Tech Expands to UK
Next Stop: Rancho Cucamonga!
Where Public Transit Systems Are Bouncing Back Around the World
Trump Said He Fired the National Portrait Gallery Director. She's Still There.
ICE Moves to DNA-Test Families Targeted for Deportation with New Contract
US Housing Agency Vulnerable to Fraud After DOGE Cuts, Documents Warn
Starting this week, people in London will be able to scan their eyes using Tools for Humanity's proprietary Orb device, the company said in a statement on Monday. The service will roll out to Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow in the coming months.
The spherical Orbs will be at dedicated premises in shopping malls and on high streets, said Damien Kieran, chief legal and privacy officer at Tools for Humanity. Later, the company plans to partner with major retailers to provide self-serve Orbs that people can use as they would an ATM, Kieran added.
The company, led by co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Alex Blania, has presented its eye-scanning technology as a way for people to prove they are human at a time when artificial intelligence systems are becoming more adept at mimicking people. AI bots and deepfakes, including those enabled by generative AI tools created by Altman's OpenAI, pose a range of security threats, including identity theft, misinformation and social engineering.
The Orb scan creates a digital credential, called World ID, based on the unique properties of a person's iris. Those who agree to the scan can also receive a cryptocurrency token called Worldcoin through the company.
Tools for Humanity has faced regulatory scrutiny over privacy concerns about its technology in several markets, including investigations in Germany and Argentina, as well as bans in Spain and Hong Kong. The company said it doesn't store any personal information or biometric data and that the verification information remains on the World ID holder's mobile phone.
Kieran said Tools for Humanity had been meeting with data regulators including the UK's Information Commissioner's Office and privacy advocates ahead of the planned expansion.
So far, about 13 million people in countries including Mexico, Germany, Japan, Korea, Portugal and Thailand have verified their identities using Tools for Humanity's technology, the company said. In April, the company announced plans to expand to six US cities.
There are 1,500 Orbs in circulation, Kieran said, but the company plans to ramp up production to ship 12,000 more over the next 12 months.
(Corrects timing of rollout to cities outside of London in second paragraph)
The SEC Pinned Its Hack on a Few Hapless Day Traders. The Full Story Is Far More Troubling
Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert Wants to Donate His Billions—and Walk Again
Is Elon Musk's Political Capital Spent?
What Does Musk-Trump Split Mean for a 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?
Cuts to US Aid Imperil the World's Largest HIV Treatment Program
©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hudini and Nexevo partner on hospitality tech solutions
Smart hospitality solutions provider Hudini has announced a strategic partnership with IT support company Nexevo Solutions, with the aim of providing comprehensive hospitality technology solutions to customers across the UK and Europe. This collaboration is set to deliver a fully integrated technology ecosystem, enhancing the guest experience through a combination of Hudini's software and Nexevo's hardware offerings. The partnership marks an important development in Hudini's expansion strategy within the UK and European markets. By leveraging Nexevo's hardware portfolio, Hudini can now offer a complete technology package that includes its proprietary guest experience software alongside smart TVs, interactive kiosks, and tablets. This integration ensures that Hudini's customers benefit from a seamless, end-to-end solution. Hudini CEO and founder Prince Thampi said: "Partnering with Nexevo Solutions strengthens our ability to deliver a truly end-to-end digital experience for hospitality brands in Europe. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to simplify technology adoption for hotels. Through this partnership, Hudini's customers will gain access to streamlined procurement processes, faster deployment of technology, localised support, and a unified service experience, according to the company's press release. In addition, Nexevo will act as a reseller for Hudini's innovative guest engagement software to introduce Hudini's solutions to Nexevo's client network. Nexevo CEO and founder Ben Donaldson said: "By joining forces with Hudini, we're bringing powerful digital experiences to our clients with a blend of best-in-class hardware and innovative guest experience software. "Together, we're empowering hospitality businesses to deliver smarter, more connected experiences that meet the demands of today's digital-first guests." "Hudini and Nexevo partner on hospitality tech solutions" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Claire's falls into administration in UK and Ireland
Fashion jewellery and accessories chain Claire's has filed for administration in the UK and Ireland amid declining sales and intense competition pressures. UK-based financial advisory and restructuring company Interpath's Will Wright and Chris Pole have been appointed as joint administrators. The administration follows Claire's Holdings' voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the US, announced in early August 2025. Claire's CEO Chris Cramer blamed the decision on 'increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from bricks-and-mortar retail' and the company's 'debt obligations, and macroeconomic factors'. The joint administrators plan to continue trading while exploring a potential sale. All UK stores will remain open, and the administrators will prioritise informing the workforce in the UK and Ireland about the situation. The company, headquartered in Birmingham, operates 306 stores across the UK and Ireland and employs 2,150 people. Interpath UK CEO Will Wright stated: "Claire's has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing. 'Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company. This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand." While all physical stores remain open, the Claire's UK and Ireland website will no longer accept orders. Previously placed online orders that have been dispatched will be delivered, but undelivered orders will not be charged. Refunds for items bought before the administrators' appointment will not be provided by the administrators, but customers may seek purchase protection from their payment providers. "Claire's falls into administration in UK and Ireland" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ex-Liverpool star urges Arne Slot to sell key player to solve transfer headache
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamman believes the Reds should look to sell Ibrahima Konate should they land Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi. Liverpool's summer this year has been much busier than last year, with the Reds having already signed the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. They are also poised to land Parma defender Giovanni Leoni for an initial £26 million ($35.3 million) after Reds boss Arne Slot confirmed Liverpool had agreed a deal to sign the 18-year-old. They are also still interested in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who has told the Magpies he has no intention of playing for them ever again, even if he is not sold this summer. However, Newcastle wants £150 million ($204 million) for Isak. They rejected a bid of £110 million ($150 million), with Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher adamant the Reds should not spend $200 million on the Swede. READ MORE: Harry Redknapp makes Premier League title prediction as Liverpool tries to retain crown READ MORE: Every word Arne Slot said on Giovanni Leoni, Marc Guehi and Liverpool's title defense Another name the Reds have been linked with this summer is Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, who is out of contract next summer. Palace wants to sell the defender so as not to lose him on a free. There is currently a gap in the valuations between the Reds and Palace, however. Liverpool would do a deal between $41M to $48M, while Palace wants $54 million. But, should they come to an agreement over a deal for Guehi, former Liverpool midfielder Hamman believes the Reds should then look to sell Ibrahima Konate. The French defender, who rejected the Reds' first extension offer, is also out of contract next summer. "Liverpool have always been very strict and clear when these things happen," said Hamman via CasinoHawks. I wouldn't be surprised if Marc Guehi were to sign, they let Ibrahima Konate go and cash in on him. "We've seen with the big clubs, you've got to make decisions, and sometimes those decisions are not popular. We saw it at Barcelona with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a new keeper was brought in. "We've seen it in PSG now, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been exceptional last season, in the Champions League, then they bring in a new keeper because he hasn't signed a new contract, and he's probably got to leave the club now. "I think the big clubs, the way they see it is that they offer them contracts, they see what they do. "And then once it goes past a certain deadline or a certain date, they say, 'Okay, we have to act.' And this is what they do. "I'm 100 percent certain Liverpool is looking actively, because you've got to be in control of the situation, which you wouldn't be if you just say, 'Let's try going into the season with Konate, there may be signs and in contract.' "If he doesn't, then you've got a problem because if you need somebody next season, when he's leaving on a free, everybody knows that maybe the players get a bit more expensive. "Liverpool will be looking actively for a replacement."
