Identity Verification in the Age of AI: World’s Solution to Deepfakes
The Rise of Deepfakes
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has given rise to a new concern: deepfakes. These are highly realistic fake videos or images that can be used to impersonate individuals, compromising national security, business, and personal relationships. OpenAI’s own ChatGPT has opened up the potential to create realistic, albeit fake, footage of a person’s face.
Introducing World
In response to the threat of deepfakes, OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman has launched a project called World. This initiative seeks to use scans of people’s irises to help distinguish footage of real people from deepfaked ones. The company’s World ID profile is created using an iris scan, which can only be conducted using the Orb, a scanner developed by World.
How It Works
The Orb scanner uses blockchain technology to split and store datasets in various locations, enhancing security against data theft. The company assures that no data is stored on the Orbs themselves; instead, it is sent directly to users’ devices. This technology is designed to address the issue of deepfakes, where AI is used to create realistic fake videos of individuals.
Solution: Deep Face
World’s solution, named "Deep Face", involves matching videos against eye scan recordings. The company plans to offer its own camera interface on users’ devices, eliminating the need for collaboration with tech platforms. The software will be compatible with popular video apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft’s Teams, and Apple’s FaceTime.
Current Progress and Future Plans
World initially began as a cryptocurrency project under the name Worldcoin. The shorter name and a new version of the Orb scanners were unveiled at an event in San Francisco. Despite initial privacy concerns leading to a ban in Spain, the company has made significant progress. Currently, about one-third of the population in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has had their eyes scanned, while in Lisbon, one in seven residents reportedly has a profile.
The company needs 1,000 times more Orbs to achieve its growth plans, with plans to send Orbs to homes in regions like Latin America in the future. However, the long-term business model for Orb remains unclear.
Conclusion
The rise of deepfakes has highlighted the urgent need for more effective identity verification methods. World’s solution, leveraging advanced technology and blockchain, offers a promising approach to counter the threat of deepfakes. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize the verification of human identity to ensure the integrity of our online interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Orb scanner work?
A: The Orb scanner uses blockchain technology to split and store datasets in various locations, enhancing security against data theft.
Q: How does World’s solution, Deep Face, work?
A: Deep Face involves matching videos against eye scan recordings to distinguish footage of real people from deepfaked ones.
Q: Is the data stored on the Orbs themselves?
A: No, the company assures that no data is stored on the Orbs themselves; instead, it is sent directly to users’ devices.
Q: Will World’s solution be compatible with popular video apps?
A: Yes, the software will be compatible with popular video apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft’s Teams, and Apple’s FaceTime.