The upgraded Orb also has improved transparency, with the ability to audit the code operating within it, making it safer and more reliable.
The iris-scanning Orbs were designed by Tools for Humanity to provide ‘proof of personhood’ in limited regions and to grant users access to the Worldcoin token. Additionally, it will support government-issued identification documents like passports and driver’s licenses, addressing issues related to identity impersonation.
Tools for Humanity is also introducing ‘Deep Face,’ a new feature that compares real-time and stored images to verify a user’s identity, ensuring that the person interacting with the Orb is the same individual who signed up initially. However, since its launch in July 2023, the Orbs have faced scrutiny from privacy advocates, who consider them a surveillance tool. This feature is compatible with popular video call apps such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
The World App is also receiving updates, incorporating a ‘mini-apps’ tab for downloading third-party applications and improved language and currency support, making it compatible with older mobile phones and more accessible. Further, in March, Altman announced that the Orb’s core components would become open-source, with its code published on GitHub for public scrutiny.
To enhance privacy and security, World ID 3.0, which serves as a human layer for the internet, now uses anonymized multi-party computation to store user data across multiple parties. The new Orb’s design comprises 30% fewer parts and features significantly more efficiency.
It can perform AI operations five times faster than its earlier models, proving that it is now capable of executing AI models that prove humanness and operate entirely on device. The updated device brandishes the name ‘World’ and offers triple the production capacity compared to its predecessor. The enhancements and new features introduced by Worldcoin have sparked discussions around the ethics and utility of such technology.
While privacy advocates remain concerned, Altman and Blania have made efforts to address these issues and ensure the widespread adoption of their product.
Worldcoin, a project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has rebranded and launched a new version of its controversial iris-scanning Orb. In response to these concerns, Altman and Blania have implemented features to address regulatory and policy issues.
For instance, the device now has a fully removable SD card containing all the operating instructions, allowing users to compare the on-device instructions with publicly published source code.
