• Sam Altman backs Worldcoin’s global identity project amidst reports of seeking $50 million funding.
• Over 2.6 million participants use iris scans for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency.
• Altman highlights human identification amid regulatory scrutiny; Worldcoin pursues funding with discounted crypto tokens.

Over 2.6 Million People Engage as Worldcoin Seeks Financial Boost

In a recent virtual Q&A session hosted by FT Partners, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reinforced his support for the cryptocurrency venture Worldcoin amidst reports of the company actively seeking $50 million in funding. Worldcoin, known for its pioneering vision of creating a comprehensive global identity and financial network, has already engaged over 2.6 million participants.

Altman, addressing the reports, highlighted the increasing significance of identifying humans in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. “In a world with a lot of AI, knowing who is human matters more and more,” he remarked during the Q&A.

The reports suggest that Worldcoin is pursuing $50 million in funding by offering discounted rates on the project’s crypto tokens, indicating a strategic move to advance its vision of a global identity and financial network.

Despite the project’s innovative approach, regulatory scrutiny has followed Worldcoin since its launch in July. Various regulators, including those in the United Kingdom and Germany, have expressed interest in investigating the project. However, Worldcoin’s spokesperson has not immediately responded to requests for comments on these regulatory developments or the recent funding pursuit.

Altman’s reaffirmation of support comes at a crucial juncture as Worldcoin navigates both financial challenges and regulatory inquiries. The cryptocurrency project had previously secured substantial financial backing, raising $115 million in a Series C funding round led by Blockchain Capital, with contributions from a16z crypto and Bain Capital Crypto.

“As AI becomes an increasingly important part of our lives… the ability to identify unique humans was going to be more and more important,” Altman emphasized, encapsulating the core philosophy driving Worldcoin’s mission.

Worldcoin’s unique approach, which involves iris scans conducted through its “orb” devices, has garnered attention for more than just its identification method. Participants receive a digital ID and complimentary cryptocurrency, contributing to the project’s distinctive standing in the dynamic cryptocurrency landscape.

As Worldcoin persists in its quest for global recognition and adoption, the cryptocurrency community and investors are closely monitoring the developments surrounding this groundbreaking project.