🌐 Worldcoin Rebrands to World Network: Expanding Identity Verification Beyond Iris Scanning
🔄 Worldcoin, co-invented by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has announced its rebranding to World Network as it seeks to broaden its vision for global identity verification. This shift comes alongside the introduction of new initiatives aimed at enhancing its services.
📱 At a recent event in San Francisco, the company showcased an upgraded version of its orb iris-scanning device. The new Orb boasts 5G connectivity and offers nearly five times the AI performance of its predecessor, utilizing the latest NVIDIA Jetson chipset. Its design has been streamlined to reduce complexity by 30% and now includes a removable external SD card for easier inspection, addressing concerns over data transparency.
⚡️ In addition to the Orb, World Network is exploring non-biometric options for identity verification. One such method allows users to scan their NFC-enabled passports to verify their age, nationality, and passport ownership without disclosing their full identity. This approach aims to cater to those who are wary of biometric data collection.
➡️ To combat the rising threat of deepfakes and digital impersonation, World Network is integrating its identity verification system into popular communication platforms like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom. The project is also enhancing its mobile app to support “mini apps” from various third-party developers, which is expected to enrich the app's functionality and user experience.
🌍 Furthermore, the highly anticipated World Chain mainnet has officially launched. World Network describes it as the “first blockchain designed specifically to prioritize human activity and transactions.”
🔄 In a strategic shift, the project is moving its focus from Europe to Asia. Fabian Bodensteiner, managing director of the project’s European subsidiary, noted that the company is now targeting markets where local companies and governments are more receptive to new technologies.