ChatGPT creator’s iris-scanning crypto project signs up hundreds of users in Hong Kong amid controversy

Hundreds of people in Hong Kong have signed up for Worldcoin, a new cryptocurrency project launched by ChatGPT creator Sam Altman that gives away free tokens to users who have their iris scanned, even as the idea draws increasing scrutiny around the world.

Worldcoin, first unveiled in 2021, argues that rapidly advancing artificial intelligence will make it difficult to distinguish robots and real human users online, and that iris image-based registration is necessary for determining that someone is “human and unique”, a February Worldcoin blog post said.

With uniquely verified digital identifications, users can use Worldcoin tokens to participate in “the growing digital and global economy”, the firm said.

The token became available to people in Hong Kong at 4pm on Monday as part of a wider global Worldcoin roll-out across 35 cities in 20 countries.

To register for what the company calls a “World ID” and to receive Worldcoin tokens in Hong Kong, people need to visit one of three locations in the city to find a physical device named “Orb”, which scans their face and iris as part of a verification process.

Once completed, users receive 25 Worldcoins in their wallet, worth around US$60 based on its market price on Wednesday morning.