Orb by Worldcoin: Digital identity via iris or eye scan – technology, benefits, criticism

Last week I reported on the US launch of Worldcoin, today I take another look at the “Orb”. It looks like something out of a science fiction movie – but the Orb from Worldcoin is a reality. The spherical iris scanner is designed to provide access to a digital world in which your identity is secure and unique. The device was developed by Tools for Humanity, with the support of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. But what exactly can this Orb do – and why is it so controversial? The Verge provides some initial insights into its structure and background.

What is the Worldcoin Orb?

The Orb is a high-precision biometric scanner in the shape of a silver sphere. Inside is an iris recognition system that analyzes your iris in seconds – without storing any personal image data. Instead, an encrypted hash is created that serves as a digital ID (World ID). This is to ensure that each person worldwide can only register one account. WIRED analyzed the principle and technical details at an early stage.

Design & Technology

The Orb looks futuristic, almost like a technical art object. Its smooth metal surface, the golden scanning element and the soft LED light make it visually unique. Technically, it is based on iris mapping, one of the most secure biometric processes. The challenge: to make this technology suitable for the masses, mobile and quick to use.

• Silver ball with gold scanner
• Biometric iris recognition
• Generates encrypted digital code
• Does not save any image data

This is what it looks like, the orb

Live from the Worldcoin Event in San Francisco.

How does the iris scan work?

The process is simple: you stand in front of the Orb, look into the golden center and within a few seconds your iris is scanned. This data is used to create your World ID – anonymous, forgery-proof and globally applicable. According to the developers, the process is not only designed to be secure, but also ethically responsible. The ID generated can later be used for app logins or digital payments, for example. Worldcoin explains the process in detail here.

One-time scan for lifetime ID

Unlike other systems, you only have to be scanned once. After that, your identity is permanently registered in the network – anonymously, but uniquely. For many people without official ID or in digital shadow zones, this could be a real opportunity.

• Fast scan in just a few seconds
• One-time registration required
• ID is anonymous & untraceable
• Usable for logins, payments, access services

Where is the Orb used?

Originally, the orb was mainly used in countries such as India, Kenya and Argentina. Worldcoin has now also been launched in the USA – with over 7,000 orbs planned in specially designed “world spaces”. These stations are reminiscent of modern tech stores. In addition to the classic Orb, there is now also a mobile version: the Orb Mini. This allows scans to be carried out flexibly on the move. TechCrunch reports on the hardware rollout.

Pop-up orbs and events

Orbs are also used at trade fairs, shopping centers and influencer events for major launch events – such as the recent one in San Francisco. The aim is to break down inhibitions, create trust and generate attention. Gen Z in particular is an important target group. Fast Company analyzes the strategy behind the marketing mix.

• Use in over 20 countries
• 7,000+ new orbs planned in the USA
• Orb Mini for mobile scans
• Strong presence at events & creator campaigns

Opportunities and criticism of the Orb

The Orb promises a secure, global identity system – a vision with enormous potential. At the same time, however, the device is also viewed critically: Data protectionists see risks in the collection of biometric data. Although Worldcoin emphasizes that it does not store any image data, scepticism remains. The big question: can trust, transparency and benefits be convincing? EFF is critical of the idea of a global scanning system.

Between utopia and surveillance

The Worldcoin Orb symbolizes the interface between progress and ethics. For some, it is the key to digital inclusion, for others a tool of potential control. The decisive factor will be how transparently Worldcoin deals with data, technology and public responsibility in the future.

• High benefit for identity verification
• Criticism of biometric recording
• No image storage according to the developer
• Trust & regulation crucial

Conclusion: The Orb is more than just a device

The Worldcoin Orb is a symbol, tool and topic of discussion all in one. It shows how technology can shape our everyday lives – and poses the question: how much control are we willing to give in order to gain security and access? One thing is clear: anyone talking about the digital future can no longer ignore this shiny device.

• Innovative technology meets social debate
• Orb is part of a global identity system
• Scanning process already in use worldwide

Sam Altman, Worldcoin & Co. more on the topic

Is Worldcoin part of OpenAI?

No, Worldcoin is not part of OpenAI. It is an independent project of the company Tools for Humanity. However, there is a close personal connection: Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is also the co-founder and chairman of Worldcoin. The two companies operate independently of each other, but share the same vision of technological innovation. Learn more here:

• Worldcoin
• Orb (iris scanner)
• Sam Altman

Also interesting, as it is also by visionary Sam Altman:

• OpenAI
• ChatGPT