Worldcoin has ceased offering its Orb-verification service in three countries – India, Brazil, and France. This announcement comes just months after the crypto startup expanded its services to these markets with their unique helmet-shaped eyeball-scanning verification device.
Tools for Humanity, the foundation responsible for the development of Worldcoin, revealed to TechCrunch that the Orb was initially expanded to these markets for a limited time access. However, they reassured their global partners of their commitment to meeting regulatory requirements and providing a secure and transparent service for verified individuals.
The Orb, a five-pound chromatic sphere, scans and verifies an individual’s identity through their eyeballs. According to Lily Gordon, a spokesperson for Tools for Humanity, the multi-city tour was launched in Tokyo in April 2023 and allowed people in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to experience the Orb for the first time. The tour concluded in late summer and was accompanied by previews of the Orb in various cities around the world, corresponding with the protocol’s launch.
Co-founded by Sam Altman, Worldcoin began its global rollout in July this year, with the aim of creating a reliable solution for distinguishing humans from AI online, facilitating global democratic processes, and increasing economic opportunities. The startup, which has raised $250 million and boasts notable investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, and Reid Hoffman, announced its plans to introduce its identity technology and token to an international audience.
Individuals can easily access Worldcoin’s services by downloading their protocol-compatible wallet software called World App and visiting one of their Orb devices to obtain their World ID through a simple eyeball scan.
More updates to follow, stay tuned for further developments.
