2025-05-01T02:24:31Z

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In an ambitious move to redefine identity verification, Sam Altmans startup, Tools for Humanity, has announced plans to expand its innovative iris-scanning technology across the United States beginning on May 1. The company aims to introduce a new hardware device akin to a smartphone by the next year, enhancing its suite of products branded under the name World. This initiative mirrors similar aspirations held by tech mogul Elon Musk, who is also pursuing the creation of a super app.

At an event held in San Francisco on Wednesday evening, Altman, alongside Alex Blania, a physicist from Germany and co-founder of the startup, revealed plans to update their existing offerings. The launch will feature a more compact eye-scanning orb, designed to work in conjunction with a dedicated application. This combination will scan individuals irises, generating a unique user ID that is securely stored on the blockchain, serving as a cutting-edge method for identity verification. The underlying vision suggests that a global adoption of this app could significantly mitigate the risk posed by identity thieves and scammers.

Altman has openly articulated his concerns regarding the proliferation of fraudulent activities enabled by emerging AI technologiesincluding those developed by his other venture, OpenAI, which boasts a staggering valuation of $300 billion. The World app, along with its hardware counterpart, is presented as a strategic response to the challenges of proving ones identity in the age of digital deception.

However, the journey has not been devoid of obstacles. The concept of proving personhood through biometric data has raised eyebrows and triggered skepticism, with lingering questions about the integrity of the startup since its inception. Additionally, authorities in various countries have expressed concerns regarding the methods of biometric data collection and storage employed by the company. Despite these challenges, Altman and Blania remain resolute in their vision.

The identity verification process, considered unorthodox by many, involves scanning users' irises. To facilitate this procedure, Tools for Humanity is significantly expanding its physical presence. The company plans to establish six retail locations reminiscent of Apple stores across major U.S. cities, with one flagship store set to open in San Francisco. On the night of the announcement, preparations were underway as workers polished the area around a central wooden structure designed to accommodate approximately eight of the scanning orbs. In addition to these stores, the orbs will also be made available at select Razer retail outlets, and potential future scanning locations could include coffee shops and university campuses, according to company representatives.

Initially branded as Worldcoin, the World project was conceived in July 2024 by Altman, Blania, and the now-departed Max Novendstern. Currently, Blania serves as CEO, with Altman continuing to provide substantial backing. By March 2025, the company succeeded in securing $240 million in funding from prominent venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Bain Capital, and Coinbase Ventures. Notable individual investors include Reid Hoffman and the now-imprisoned Sam Bankman-Fried.

According to the startup, its user base has seen remarkable growth, nearly doubling in size over the past six months to reach approximately 26 million users. Out of these, around 12 million individuals have successfully completed the verification process using the orb. The company anticipates generating revenue by the end of this year through fees charged to applications that benefit from verified user identities.

During the San Francisco event, which attracted a diverse crowd of founders, engineers, and industry influencers, World made a significant announcement about opening an orb assembly line in Richardson, Texas, in partnership with a U.S. manufacturer. The company has ambitious plans to have a total of 7,500 orbs deployed across the U.S. by years end. Looking ahead, World aims to further scale its operations and increase the accessibility of these orbs, putting more of them in the hands of the people.