Worldcoin has revealed its latest innovation, the software development kit and World ID protocol, which aims to verify a person’s identity by scanning their eyes. The project has been designed to ensure that individuals are not misidentified or misrepresented, and the new technology will allow for more accurate identification methods.
The World ID protocol and SDK are set to revolutionize the way identity is verified, and it is hoped that the technology will be widely adopted shortly. By ensuring that individuals are correctly identified, Worldcoin is paving the way for more secure and reliable digital transactions.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is the co-creator of Worldcoin and Tools for Humanity, the primary software contributor to the project. Worldcoin claims that the growing use of AI and generative software has made online identity more complex.
Altman’s involvement in both projects underscores his commitment to advancing technological solutions to complex problems. With the emergence of advanced technologies, Worldcoin aims to tackle the issue of online identity head-on and provide innovative solutions to ensure accurate identification in the digital realm.
Worldcoin has introduced its latest mobile tool, the World ID, which is powered by zero-knowledge cryptography and is described as the “underlying identity protocol” for the project. The World ID allows individuals to prove their identity without revealing personal information, thus preserving their anonymity.
Although the primary method of verification for Worldcoin users is through the Orb, a device that scans the iris, they can also use other tools, such as phone number verification, which may not be as accurate as the Orb. However, some controversy surrounding the use of the Orb, the World ID protocol, and its associated tools offer innovative solutions for secure and reliable identification in the digital realm.
The Emergence of Orb Technology
Individuals can obtain a World ID using any mobile wallet compatible with the platform. The World App, which is currently in beta, is one such option. While the Orb verification process is only available in certain countries, including Argentina, Chile, India, Kenya, Portugal, and Spain, a wider distribution of the Orb devices is planned for later in the year.
Mobile verification, on the other hand, is available in most countries, providing users with various options for identity verification that suit their specific needs and circumstances. The availability of different verification methods underscores Worldcoin’s commitment to providing secure and reliable identification solutions for users around the globe.
The Orb, a device used for biometric identification, has sparked controversy since its launch in June 2021. Critics, including privacy advocate Edward Snowden, have expressed concerns about collecting biometric data, with Snowden warning against creating a database of individuals’ eye scans.
Worldcoin has since addressed these concerns by utilizing zero-knowledge-proof technology to separate the biometric registration process from the wallet, thereby preventing any potential misuse of biometric data. Despite this, lingering concerns remain about the project’s potential risks.
According to Sada, there are also misconceptions surrounding the Orb, with many individuals unaware that their biometric data is destroyed after the verification process unless they choose to store it. While storing biometric data is not incentivized by Worldcoin, it can improve the protocol, adding an extra layer of security to the verification process.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Orb, Worldcoin is proceeding with its distribution. In addition, the company is expanding its Orb rollout through an operator program that incentivizes businesses to conduct iris scans.