Biometric IDs Aim to Separate Humans from AI in the Digital World
Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, is pushing forward with his ambitious digital identity venture, known simply as World. The project has recently secured a hefty $135 million in funding, backed by prominent investment firms including Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Crypto. This financial backing will support the platform’s expansion, particularly across the United States and other global markets.
Image 1: Sam Altman (Source: BEAMSTART)
Digital Identity for the AI Age
The core idea behind World is to verify that people engaging online are indeed human, not artificial intelligence. The system does this through biometric technology—specifically, eye scans. These are carried out by a device called the Orb, which captures an image of a person’s iris to create a unique digital ID.
Over 26 million users have joined the World network, with nearly half that number undergoing verification through the Orb. These verified IDs are then stored securely as part of a global identity system. The idea is to create a trustworthy digital space as artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated and widespread.
To fund its growing operations, World sold a significant amount of its own digital token, WLD, at current market rates. The purchase was made by early investors, reinforcing their belief in the platform’s long-term value. Several other backers, including Selini Capital and Mirana Ventures, had previously supported the project and continue to be involved.
World’s team sees this funding as essential for keeping pace with rapidly advancing AI. As machines become more capable, distinguishing between humans and bots online will become increasingly important. The goal is for World to become a global, decentralised system that verifies individuals while also allowing them to maintain privacy.
Pushback from Regulators
Despite the significant investment and rapid growth, the project is facing legal pressure and scepticism in several countries. Governments are raising red flags about how World collects and manages highly sensitive personal information.
In Brazil, the national data protection agency issued a halt on World’s activities. Authorities there expressed concern over the company’s approach of exchanging cryptocurrency for biometric data. They argued that this could undermine the idea of true consent, particularly in lower-income communities. After further review, Brazilian officials reaffirmed their decision and warned the company of daily penalties if it continues operating in defiance of the ban.
Indonesia has also taken steps to curb the platform’s expansion. The country’s communications ministry recently suspended World’s business licence, citing a failure by the company’s local entities to register correctly under digital asset regulations. An inquiry has been launched, with meetings scheduled to clarify the matter between officials and the company’s representatives.
Image 2: Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO. (Source: Bloomberg)
A European Response
The challenges don’t end in the Asia-Pacific region. In Germany, data protection regulators have insisted that World must comply with European Union privacy laws. Officials are demanding that users be given straightforward options to delete their biometric data from the system, placing pressure on the company to adjust its data handling practices in line with strict EU standards.
These developments point to a deeper global concern about privacy and ethics in the age of digital identity. Critics argue that while World’s intentions may be noble, offering people financial incentives in exchange for sensitive biometric data could lead to exploitation. People in economically vulnerable situations may agree to give up their data without fully understanding the implications.
Funding Fuels Expansion Despite Controversy
Despite the mounting regulatory scrutiny, World is charging ahead. The fresh capital injection will be used to broaden the availability of Orb devices and scale up the network. The team behind the project remains focused on building what they believe will be a vital tool in managing digital trust in the age of artificial intelligence.
Backers like Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Crypto continue to show faith in the idea, having been among the first to see potential in World’s mission. They, along with the project’s creators, are betting on a future where verifying real people online becomes a necessity.
