Tools for Humanity, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has introduced a device called Orb Mini, designed to verify human identity, TechRadar reported on Tuesday.
This device, which scans irises to generate a blockchain-based World ID, represents a novel attempt to distinguish humans from AI.
According to TechRadar, Altman emphasizes that a lack of trust is one of today’s most pressing crises. While AI tools like ChatGPT can mimic text, voice, and images, the Orb Mini is designed to verify human identity through technology.
Visa is developing a debit card linked to the World App, while Match Group is testing user verification for dating apps in Japan. Gaming company Razer also plans to adopt this technology to filter out AI bots in multiplayer environments.
As a strategy to make iris scanning and World ID generation more accessible, Tools for Humanity aims to deploy 7,500 Orb Minis across the U.S. by the end of the year.
However, concerns persist over the collection of biometric data from millions of individuals. While Tools for Humanity claims it doesn’t store iris images and anonymizes the data, privacy issues remain unresolved.
In an era where AI increasingly mimics human behavior, technology that verifies human identity in digital spaces may be essential. However, whether companies can securely manage our identities remains a separate and pressing issue.