Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Launches in London with Plans to Scan Millions Across the UK Using Orb Technology

Worldcoin Launches in London with Focus on Biometric Verification and AI Fraud Prevention

Worldcoin, the biometric identity project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is set to begin operations in London on 12 June, kicking off an ambitious expansion across the UK.

Following London, the initiative plans to extend its presence to cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast, and Glasgow in the months ahead.

The project, managed by Tools for Humanity, deploys a unique eye-scanning device known as the Orb, designed to verify individuals’ identities and help prevent fraudulent activities linked to artificial intelligence systems.

How Does Worldcoin’s Orb Technology Work

The Orb scans a person’s iris and face to generate a unique digital code, confirming they are a real human rather than an AI-generated entity.

Once verified, users receive a portion of Worldcoin’s cryptocurrency, WLD, and can use an anonymous digital ID called World ID to log into supported platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and Minecraft.

This approach aims to tackle increasing concerns over deep fakes and AI-driven fraud in sectors ranging from online gaming to banking.

Growing Demand Amid Rising AI Fraud Risks

Adrian Ludwig, chief architect at Tools for Humanity, highlighted to CNBC that interest in Worldcoin is rising from governments and businesses keen to counter AI-enabled fraud.

Ludwig said,

“The idea is no longer just something that’s theoretical. It’s something that’s real and affecting them every single day.”

He added that the project is moving “from science project to a real network,” and the recent US launch saw six flagship locations across cities including Austin, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The goal is to scale verification numbers substantially in the coming months.

Privacy Concerns and Data Security Questions Remain

Despite the potential, Worldcoin has faced scrutiny over privacy risks tied to biometric data collection.

The startup says it encrypts all biometric information and deletes the original data to safeguard user privacy.

Its system relies on a decentralised network where identity checks happen locally on users’ smartphones rather than being stored in the cloud.

However, privacy advocates continue to raise questions about potential misuse and data protection, a debate that remains active on social media and in privacy circles.

Tools for Humanity reports ongoing engagement with regulators such as the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office to address these issues.

WLD Cryptocurrency Shows Strong Market Performance

Worldcoin’s native cryptocurrency, WLD, currently trades at around $1.10 with a market cap of approximately $1.76 billion, reflecting a 55.65% increase in value over the past two months.

The token’s circulating supply stands at 1.59 billion, although recent trading volumes have fallen to about $97 million.

This growth highlights the increasing investor interest even as the project expands geographically and technologically.

Could Worldcoin Influence the Future of Digital ID?

As governments worldwide explore digital identity schemes to replace physical documents, Worldcoin aims to provide a scalable solution.

Ludwig pointed to the challenges existing systems face, referencing India’s Aadhaar as an example where adoption is high but security and inequality concerns persist.

Ludwig noted,

“We’re beginning to see governments now more interested in how can we use this as a mechanism to improve our identity infrastructure.”

The ability to curb fraud and improve online identity verification is driving conversations with regulators and officials.

Worldcoin’s launch in the UK represents a significant step in bringing biometric digital IDs into mainstream use while navigating ongoing privacy debates and the evolving threat landscape created by AI technologies.