Small sculptural spheres known as “Orbs” have become a central element of Sam Altman’s latest project. These Orbs are capable of scanning the eyeballs of individuals who join Altman’s Worldcoin project. Worldcoin claims that the Orb erases any images it captures and replaces them with codes.
In a dystopian twist, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently announced the launch of Worldcoin, a project he co-founded with Alex Blania. The project aims to enable universal access to the global economy. The Orb, a shiny sculptural sphere, is used to scan the eyeballs of new members and provide them with “World IDs,” which serve as proof of their human identity. These World IDs allow easier navigation of the internet and access to digital currency.
The Orb’s reflective surface distorts the surroundings, giving it an almost hypnotic effect. Worldcoin has been sharing photos of the Orb against the backdrop of various cities, showcasing its enigmatic presence. It is worth noting that the Orb bears resemblance to other mysterious orbs that have intrigued and disturbed social media users in the past.
Despite its otherworldly appearance, the Orb is designed to scan eyeballs and fits seamlessly into urban spaces. It sparks a sense of surveillance and assimilation, even as a fictional creation. Critics have raised concerns about the dystopian aesthetic of the Orb, but Worldcoin reassures users that no personal information is needed, apart from the scan of their eyes. The company claims that the eyeball scans are erased, and privacy is prioritized in every aspect of Worldcoin.
Over two million people have already signed up for Worldcoin, attracted by its aim to address economic inequality through AI. However, the effectiveness of this technology in solving complex systemic issues remains to be seen. For now, people are captivated by the Orb and its allure.
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