The contentious startup Worldcoin, run by Sam Altman, has stopped offering Orb-verification in France, Brazil, and India for the time being.
The Orb, the company’s helmet-shaped eyeball-scanning verification device, was introduced into these markets only a few months prior to the decision.
The worldcoin development team, Tools for Humanity, made it clear that the Orb’s launch in these areas was a part of a “limited time access” program. Despite the withdrawal, the foundation reiterated its global commitment to collaborating with partners to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to maintain a secure, transparent, and safe service for verified individuals, MoneyControl reported.
Governments and web3 industry members who support digital privacy rights have been closely examining Worldcoin’s eyeball verification process.
Worldcoin’s Eyeball Verification Service Expanded Globally
The Orb is a unique five-pound colored ball that looks into people’s eyes to confirm who they are. This year, The Orb’s multi-city tour took place across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, starting in Tokyo in April 2023. The tour came to an end in late summer, coinciding with the protocol’s introduction and Orb previews in several cities. With roughly $250 million in funding from well-known investors like Reid Hoffman, Khosla Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz, Worldcoin began rolling out its global services in July. The goal of the startup is to create a dependable online method for differentiating between people and artificial intelligence, support international democratic processes, and expand economic prospects.
Worldcoin’s World app recently crossed 5 million users and is now being used by 1 million users per week, Tools for Humanity Head of Product, Engineering & Design Tiago Sada revealed in a post on X.