Worldcoin Changes Name to World, Launches New Eye Scanner Orb
2024-10-18
Worldcoin, a project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has changed its name to “World” and launched a new version of the controversial iris-scanning Orb.
WorldCoin Name Change and Orb Upgrade
Alex Blania, CEO of Tools for Humanity, announced the name change and updates to World ID and World App during a keynote presentation on Thursday. "We know this sounds crazy, but the name Worldcoin doesn't fit anymore," Blania said.
The redesigned Orb has 30% fewer components and three times the production capacity of its predecessor. Powered by NVIDIA's Jetson, the new Orb can perform AI operations five times faster than previous models.
The purpose of Ord is to do Iris scanners were designed as a way for people to prove they were real, given the increasing number of bots roaming the internet.
Controversies and Investigations
The first orbs were placed in Berlin, Germany. In addition to providing “proof of personality” in restricted areas, Orbs also provides access to Worldcoin tokens.
The launch of World Orbs in July 2023 by Tools for Humanity has generated controversy and investigations in several countries, including France and Germany because it is considered a surveillance tool.
Efforts to Maintain Privacy
Altman and Blania have sought to address the concerns of regulators and policymakers by implementing features designed to preserve user privacy.
The new Orb has a fully removable SD card, which contains all operating instructions so anyone can compare the instructions to the published source code.
Additionally, Orb's core components have been open-sourced, with its code published on GitHub for public scrutiny.
World ID and World App updates
In addition to hardware updates to the Orb, Altman, and Blania also introduced updates to the World ID and World app.
World ID 3.0 uses anonymized multi-party computing to store user data across multiple parties, improving user security and privacy. World ID will also support government-issued identification such as passports and driver's licenses.
To address the problem of malicious impersonation, World introduced a new feature called “Deep Face”. This feature will compare real-time and stored images to verify user identity.
The World App is also receiving new updates, including a "mini-apps" tab that allows users to download third-party apps. Users can also search for other people by username or connect with their contact list.
World ID Features
World ID has several features that can be used:
1. Anonymous multi-party computing: World ID 3.0 uses this technology to store user data in a distributed and secure manner.
2. Government identity support: World ID supports passports and driver's licenses as valid forms of identification.
3. Deep Face: This feature compares real-time and stored images to verify user identity.
4. Accessibility: World ID is supported by more than 50 languages and 50 currencies, and is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices.
Benefits of World ID
World ID can provide significant benefits for internet users, such as:
- Security improvements: World ID can help protect users from fraud and spam.
- Access to exclusive services: Some online services may require users to have a World ID to access certain features.
- Increased trust: World ID can help build trust in the digital world.
Challenges and Future of World ID
Although World ID has great potential, there are still several challenges that need to be overcome. One of them is ensuring the security and privacy of user data.
In the future, World ID may develop into a broader platform, allowing users to carry out various online activities without revealing their identity.
Conclusion
Worldcoin has changed its name to World and launched a redesigned iris scanner Orb. This project aims to provide proof of personality and access to Worldcoin tokens.
Despite facing controversy and investigations, the World has taken steps to safeguard user privacy and address regulators' concerns.
FAQ about World
Q1. What is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin is a project that aims to create a universal digital identity that can prove that a person is a real person. This project was originally called Worldcoin but later changed its name to World.
Q2. What is an Orb?
The Orb is an iris-scanning device used by World to verify a person's identity. This orb has been redesigned to be more efficient and safe.
Q3. Why did Worldcoin change its name to World?
The name change was made because the name Worldcoin was deemed not suitable for the long-term vision of this project. The name World is considered simpler and represents a broader goal.
Q4. What are the benefits of World ID?
World ID can provide benefits such as increased online security, access to exclusive services, and increased trust in the digital world.
Q5. How do I get a World ID?
To get a World ID, you need to visit a location equipped with an Orb and perform an iris scan.
Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.
