Sam Altman’s Eye-Scanning Crypto Project Launches in the U.S.
San Francisco, CA – May 1, 2025 — Sam Altman, the Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, has officially launched his ambitious project aimed at scanning the irises of individuals worldwide in exchange for cryptocurrency. This initiative, named World, debuted in the United States during an event held in San Francisco, marking a significant step for the project originally conceived in 2019. ## About World
World aims to establish an "anonymous proof-of-human" system that allows individuals to verify their identity, helping to mitigate the risks associated with artificial intelligence impersonating humans online. By verifying users through iris scans, the project seeks to create a more secure method of digital identification, particularly relevant in today’s landscape of online interactions where AI technologies are increasingly dominant.
As of March 2025, World has reportedly verified over 11 million people globally, indicating a growing interest and uptake in the platform. The effort reflects a broader trend in technology where identity verification systems are rapidly evolving to adapt to the challenges posed by advancing AI capabilities.
New Developments
During the launch event, Altman highlighted not only the iris scanning initiative but also the forthcoming introduction of a payment card in partnership with Visa. This card is expected to facilitate transactions using the cryptocurrency linked to the World platform. Additionally, World announced a collaboration with Match Group to integrate its verification services into online dating platforms, starting with its popular app, Tinder, initially targeting users in Japan.
The integration of biometric verification into online dating not only aims to enhance user security but also emphasizes the growing intersection between financial technology and personal data management.
Concerns Over Biometric Data
Despite the positive reception from some quarters, the initiative has not been without controversy. Concerns surrounding biometric data collection and processing remain prevalent, particularly regarding privacy and security implications. Critics argue that collecting sensitive data such as iris scans raises ethical questions about consent, data storage, and protection against misuse.
As the project unfolds, World will need to address these concerns to ensure that participants feel secure in their engagement with the platform. Transparency regarding how biometric data is handled and safeguarded will be crucial in building public trust.
Conclusion
Sam Altman’s World represents a bold innovation in the landscape of identity verification and cryptocurrency. As the U.S. rollout begins, the project stands at the forefront of technological advancement, raising both exciting opportunities and important ethical considerations. The coming months are likely to shed more light on public reception and the operational dynamics of this eye-scanning crypto initiative.
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