Worldcoin pulls its Orb-verification service from India, Brazil, and France after expansion
Worldcoin, a crypto startup, has announced that it will no longer be offering its Orb-verification service in India, Brazil, and France. This change comes just a few months after the startup expanded its helmet-shaped eyeball-scanning verification device to these markets.
Tools for Humanity, the foundation overseeing the development of Worldcoin, explained that they had expanded the Orb to many markets this year for a “limited time access.” The foundation remains committed to working with partners globally to ensure that it meets regulatory requirements and provides a safe, secure, and transparent service for verified humans.
The five-pound chromatic sphere known as the Orb scans an individual’s eyeballs and verifies their identity. According to Lily Gordon, a spokesperson for Tools for Humanity, the Orb’s multi-city tour began in Tokyo in April 2023 and allowed people in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to experience the device for the first time. The tour concluded late summer and was accompanied by previews of the Orb in several cities globally, alongside the launch of the protocol.
Co-founded by Sam Altman, Worldcoin initiated the global rollout of its services in July this year, aiming to build a reliable solution for distinguishing humans from AI online, enabling global democratic processes, and drastically increasing economic opportunity. The startup, which has raised about $250 million and counts Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, and Reid Hoffman among its backers, is rolling out its identity technology and token internationally. Individuals can download World App, the startup’s protocol-compatible wallet software, and visit an Orb to receive their World ID.
Despite the expansion in these countries, Worldcoin has decided to pull its Orb-verification service from India, Brazil, and France. The reasons for this sudden change have not been disclosed. However, the startup has announced its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure service for verified humans while also meeting regulatory requirements.
The move to withdraw the Orb-verification service from these countries could have significant implications for Worldcoin’s global expansion strategy. With the startup facing increasing scrutiny from regulatory authorities, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact its future operations and growth prospects.
It is unclear how this decision will affect Worldcoin’s plans in these markets and whether the startup will seek to reintroduce the Orb-verification service in the future. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, Worldcoin will need to navigate a complex regulatory landscape while striving to achieve its ambitious goals.
