Sam Altman’s eye-scanning project launches cryptocurrency in the US
1 min read
Summary
Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project that offers users tokens in exchange for scanning their iris biometrics to create a blockchain-based identity, has launched in the US after gaining 12m users in over 100 countries.
Users who scan their eyes at an “orb” device will receive 16 Worldcoins (WLD), with physical devices being rolled out in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville and San Francisco, as well as in Razer stores.
A “pioneer grant” of 150 WLD will be dropped into the wallets of users who have already registered with the app in the US.
The project’s developer, Tools for Humanity, is also partnering with Visa to launch a debit card that allows users to convert WLD into fiat currency when shopping.
The project’s creators aim for Worldcoin to become the primary method of verifying human identity online, as well as to act as a universal basic income in a future where AI may replace human jobs.