Exploring Biometric Verification Amid Privacy Concerns

Popular social media platform Reddit is reportedly considering the adoption of World’s iris-scanning orbs as part of its user verification system.

According to a recent Semafor report citing two sources familiar with the matter, Reddit is considering integrating the World ID system—developed by Tools for Humanity, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—to confirm that users are unique individuals.

The proposed system would allow users to verify their identity while maintaining anonymity if they choose.

The alleged talks come amid growing concern over bots and AI generated content. WorldCoin's technology offers proof-of-human verification through its eye-scanning device, enabling platforms to distinguish real users from bots and AI entities.

While the technology has amassed worldwide scrutiny over privacy concerns, but the project has seen significant growth and adoption in recent years.

Following the Reddit announcement, the price of Worldcoin has rose slightly. WorldCoin even has its own cryptocurrency, called WLD.

User Backlash and Privacy Debate

News of the potential partnership has sparked significant backlash among Reddit’s user base.

Many have threatened to delete their accounts or move to alternative platforms if the verification system is implemented, citing concerns over privacy and the erosion of anonymity.

One user, Savi321, expressed mixed feelings

“Tell me—should I be happy that Reddit may enter the crypto space or sad that they want to verify us users by a method we already declined when [World] was launched? Odd world out there.”

World’s biometric data collection through its signature “orbs” has already faced criticism from industry advocates and policymakers, with some jurisdictions banning the project outright.

Despite this, more than 12 million people have scanned their irises using the orbs as of May.

The push for advanced verification methods comes as online platforms face increasing pressure to address the proliferation of AI-generated content and comply with new age verification regulations.

World has announced plans to expand its orb-based verification to six U.S. cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.

Other major companies, including The Match Group and Visa, are also exploring World ID for user verification and financial products.

Reddit’s Commitment to Anonymity and Authenticity

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has previously acknowledged the need for additional user information to meet regulatory requirements and combat AI-driven content.

In a reddit post on May 5, Huffman alluded to a need of a verification system for the platform.

“Specifically, we will need to know whether you are a human, and in some locations, if you are an adult. But we never want to know your name or who you are. The way we will do this is by working with various third-party services that can provide us with the essential information and nothing else.”

But at the time, Huffman’s comments did not mention any involvement with World’s orbs.

The platform’s exploration of World ID highlights the ongoing tension between the need for user authenticity and the preservation of privacy—a balance that will be crucial as Reddit navigates the evolving landscape of digital identity and online trust.