OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has recently unveiled an innovative project called Worldcoin, which aims to establish a global identity and financial network that is accessible to everyone.

Worldcoin introduces a unique feature called World ID, a privacy-focused digital identity system. The World ID utilizes a cutting-edge biometric verification device named Orb, which scans an individual's eye to confirm their human identity.
This groundbreaking project also incorporates its own cryptocurrency called WLD, which serves as the financial aspect of its blockchain network. Altman and co-founder Alex Blania have set forth ambitious goals for Worldcoin, envisioning a future where AI-generated content can be effectively addressed.

In a whitepaper, Worldcoin envisions a future where the world is financially connected, allowing for near-instantaneous transactions and payments. Furthermore, the platform can distinguish between content created by AI models and real individuals, displaying messages and transactions from verified humans to ensure authenticity.
"If successful, we believe Worldcoin could drastically increase economic opportunity, provide a reliable solution for distinguishing humans from AI online, while preserving privacy, enable global democratic processes, and potentially pave the way for AI-funded UBI (universal basic income)," Altman and Blania stated.

After three years of development, Worldcoin has garnered approximately two million users during its beta period, as reported by TechCrunch. The official launch now enables individuals to download the World App and visit one of the Orbs for biometric identification. The project's goal is to expand to 20 countries and offer Orbs in 35 cities.
The crypto community has also expressed support for Worldcoin, as Binance has listed the WLD token on its exchange.

While the project has garnered attention and support, it has also faced some controversy. A report last year claimed that Worldcoin employed exploitative practices in building its biometric database in impoverished nations.
Meanwhile, Altman's OpenAI is undergoing increased scrutiny, including copyright lawsuits and regulatory investigations. The US Federal Trade Commission recently initiated an in-depth investigation into the company's approach to managing consumer risks associated with AI technology.

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Sam Altman speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt in 2015. Image: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
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