Sam Altman, the founder of ChatGPT, launched a new startup named World. The World app is an amalgamation of a crypto wallet and a social network. It aims to authenticate the identity of humans online as AI-driven content grows. The startup has been initially launched in the US with plans for outlets in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Nashville.

To use this, the users need to go to the stores to scan their eyes using devices called Orbs. After enrolling, users will receive a World ID to access the World App. In return, they’ll be granted a cryptocurrency called Worldcoin, which can be saved, spent, or transferred to other World ID holders. Although this app gives people a solid digital identity in times of increasing deepfakes and fake accounts, it brings some very legitimate concerns, privacy being one of them. 

Why Banned in Hong Kong?

As per a report by Reuters, a Hong Kong regulator had served an enforcement notice to the Worldcoin Foundation directing it to cease all operations of the cryptocurrency project in the country, citing risk to privacy and personal data. At that time, the authorities had directed Worldcoin to stop scanning and collecting iris and face images of the public using its devices, calling it "unnecessary and excessive."

Where’s the Problem?

The problem lies with the collection of the data. The authorities fear that such a large repository with extremely critical data, including iris scanning and others, can seriously compromise people’s privacy. In addition to this, it brings immense concerns regarding the misuse of this data. Owing to this, the startup remains banned in countries like Hong Kong and Brazil. 

Regulators around the world, particularly in European countries, have expressed concern that the database could be misused.

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Company’s Justification 

At the time, the Worldcoin Foundation expressed disappointment over the stance taken by Hong Kong’s regulatory authorities. "Worldcoin operates lawfully and is designed to be fully compliant with all laws and regulations governing data collection and use, including the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance of Hong Kong, among many other similar statutes across other markets," it said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

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Current User Base 

Around 26 million people are already using the World app, while more than 12 million people have been verified by the Orb. The company further plans to deploy over 7500 Orbs across the US in the next 12 months, with the final goal of making it easy for every American to verify within a couple of minutes, posts Alex Blania, the co-founder of World app, as he makes the launch announcement on X.