Sao Paulo — A World, the startup of billionaire Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, has started scanning the irises of Brazilians. In exchange, the company is offering individuals crypto tokens worth approximately R$740 (US$122), as was observed by Bloomberg Línea at a shopping mall in eastern São Paulo.
According to the startup, the project aims to train technology to prevent the use of bots through new security tools, which will bring about broader access to the digital economy.
A World says it will not disclose or sell the iris codes to third parties. While the service is available only to individuals over the age of 18, the initiative has nonetheless raised concerns of potential risks, including the misuse of biometric data, the possibility of cyberattacks and unauthorized access to platforms containing personal information.
On Wednesday, Nov 27, Bloomberg Línea visited A World at the Boulevard Tatuapé shopping mall in eastern São Paulo, where the scanning “orbs” are located. These devices generate a unique code, the “World ID”, intended to serve as a global digital ID. By early afternoon, a queue of customers was awaiting their turn to have their photograph taken by the small metal spheres that capture images of the face and iris.
A World has stated in a press release that the original iris images are end-to-end encrypted, sent to the person’s phone, and promptly deleted from the “orb”.
The scanning process was as follows: First, A World staff provided guidance to users on the procedures for iris biometric registration, including instructions on how to download the company’s app and generate a QR code required for activation. A token wallet called Worldcoins was then made available to each individual.
A leaflet was then given to users, explaining app’s functionalities and privacy policy.
“World ID, the digital proof of humanity, is stored on your cell phone, allowing you to anonymously prove that you are human when using online services and applications such as Discord, Telegram, Shopify and Reddit and various mini apps in the World App,” the company explained in a press release.
The app, with an interface design that resembles that of a digital wallet, can also be used to find A World orb locations and to schedule iris scans.
In addition to Shopping Boulevard Tatuapé, the app points out nine other iris scanning points in São Paulo: the Center Lapa and Vila Olímpia malls and street addresses in the Bela Vista, Bom Retiro, Pinheiros, Vila Mascote, Ipiranga, Penha and Jardim Brasília neighborhoods.
“Verified human, certified by Orb” is the message displayed on the app a few seconds after the iris scan is conducted.
The startup’s says its primary goal is to facilitate the differentiation between humans and AI-generated bots by replacing CAPTCHAs, a visual pre-verification tool that uses images to determine whether a user is a real human or a bot on various websites. However, the creation of a global community united by biometric identification could potentially boost the Worldcoin (WLD) token market.
The A World app employs the slogan “A network of real humans, owned by humanity” to present its objective of establishing a global network through iris registration. The application states that the community currently comprises over 16.3 million individuals.
Conversely, 3,828 Orbs are operational in 510 locations across the globe, with visits to 228 countries. To illustrate the project’s ambitious scope, the app asserts that its network encompasses over 160 countries, six continents, and “one planet.”
WLC to Reais Withdrawals
After completing the iris scan with the Orb, the app displays a wallet balance of 53.85 Worldcoins, totaling R$739.51 on Wednesday, Nov 27 afternoon. As of Tuesday, Dec 3, the WLD token was down by 13.72% against the US dollar in the year-to-date. It peaked at US$6,6 in March this year, and was worth US$3.1 this Tuesday.
To withdraw the amount displayed in the World App, users can utilize Pix by providing their CPF number and an email address.
Nevertheless, the total Worldcoin balance is not readily accessible following the completion of the iris scan. The application displays a countdown of 29 days to the release of a portion of the balance, with monthly intervals. Additionally, users have the option to purchase tokens if they so desire.
The Vault Option and Investments
Additionally, the app offers a “Vault” feature, through which users can invest in Worldcoins and receive a 10% yield. However, withdrawals are subject to a three-day processing period.
The Worldcoin Vault enables users to accrue funds through the generation of yields, thereby facilitating a secure and expedient method of saving WLD. It should be noted that yields can only be earned on the initial 500 WLD within the Vault.
Regulatory Oversight
The question of regulatory oversight over initiatives like A World’s in Brazil is riddled with controversy.
On Monday, November 11, the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) initiated its oversight process, as reported by Bloomberg Línea, with the objective of acquiring further information from A World regarding the project relaunch that involves scanning human irises for identity verification. This process is intended to assess the project’s compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
On Tuesday afternoon (12), the ANPD oversight team convened virtually with company representatives. During the meeting, the representatives presented an overview of the project, responded to inquiries, and formally received an official request for information.
As stated on the A World website, users are afforded “unparalleled control over their information,” including what the company refers to as “personal custody.” According to A World, this entails that all data generated by the Orb during the user’s World ID verification (images, metadata, and derived data, including iris codes) are retained on the user’s device.
The company says that neither the World Foundation nor Tools for Humanity are able to decrypt files when they traverse their servers en route to the user’s phone. The system is designed to maintain data security even in the event of a phone hack, they added.
Tools for Humanity is a technology company that develops software for A World. The company employs over 200 professionals, including developers, scientists, engineers, designers, economists, and other specialists.
Scrutiny Around the Globe
A World has previously been the subject of regulatory scrutiny in countries including France, Germany, Spain, Argentina, and Hong Kong.
The startup has indicated that World ID employs an open-source protocol, designated as Semaphore, which is designed to prevent the tracking or linking of data to an individual’s identity or verifications within other applications.
In a note sent to Bloomberg Línea, the A World Foundation stated that it aims to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the processing of personal data in the markets where it operates, including the General Data Protection Law.
The company also said that “A World and its primary offering, World ID, are developing the instruments that humanity requires to navigate the AI era. They are facilitating access to financial systems and opportunities for individuals who would otherwise be excluded, while safeguarding individual privacy.”
The World Foundation added that it has assigned high priority to engaging with individuals and organizations to answer any questions they may have and ensure transparency” in its operations. “It is not uncommon for innovative ideas and new technologies to raise questions. We believe it is important for regulators to seek information or clarification on their queries,” the company added.
