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Worldcoin’s eye-scanning orb is no longer available in France, India, and Brazil just months after announced expansion

Dec 21, 2023 - fortune.com
Worldcoin, a startup co-founded by Sam Altman, has halted its eye-scanning operations in France, India, and Brazil, just six months after an expanded international rollout. The reasons behind the decision are unclear. The company's digital identity program, World ID, which is linked to a person's iris scan, had expanded in July, with plans to make 1,500 orbs available in 35 cities worldwide.

The startup, which has raised $250 million from venture capitalists, has recently faced regulatory challenges from French and German regulators and an Argentinian government agency. Altman, who is also the CEO of OpenAI, has faced personal difficulties, including being temporarily removed from his CEO position at OpenAI and facing criticism for receiving $75 million from the University of Michigan for a new venture capital fund.

Key takeaways:

  • Worldcoin, a startup co-founded by Sam Altman, has halted its eye-scanning operations in France, India, and Brazil, just six months after an expanded international rollout.
  • The company had previously announced plans to expand its digital identity program, World ID, linked to a person's iris scan, and had also announced a $5 million grant program for developers working with its technology.
  • Worldcoin, which was created in 2020 to help people prove their digital identity as AI becomes increasingly prevalent, has faced regulatory issues recently, including probes from French and German regulators and an Argentinian government agency.
  • Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has faced personal troubles recently, including being temporarily removed as CEO of OpenAI and facing criticism for receiving $75 million from the University of Michigan for a new venture capital fund.
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