World Mulls Digital ID System for AI Agents

Sam Altman’s World project, which recently rebranded from Worldcoin to emphasize its focus on identity verification technology, is considering developing a system to connect AI agents with verified human digital identities. This initiative would build upon the platform’s existing network of over 10 million verified users while addressing the growing challenge of AI agent authentication.

World’s current verification system employs a specialized device called the Orb that scans an individual’s iris to create unique blockchain-based identifiers. This technology, which has already been deployed in multiple countries including Panama and Brazil, aims to enable websites to distinguish between unauthorized bots and legitimate AI agents operating on behalf of verified humans.

,”This idea of delegating your ‘proof of personhood’ to an agent and letting it act on your behalf is actually super important,” explained Tiago Sada, World’s Chief Product Officer. He noted that businesses may benefit from allowing verified AI agents, stating, “If a delivery app’s sales increase because there’s a bunch of agents coming and replying on behalf of their users, the business is going to be happy about that.”

The development comes as OpenAI’s Operator, the company’s first autonomous web-capable AI agent, has launched with built-in partnerships with services including Uber, Instacart, and DoorDash. Currently, many websites employ tools like Cloudflare and Snowflake to block automated activity, with some platforms blocking OpenAI’s Operator by default.

World’s technology could enable businesses to implement controlled access for AI agents, potentially limiting the number of agents per verified human to prevent misuse. The system would allow websites to identify and permit AI agents that represent authenticated users while maintaining security measures against unauthorized automated activity.

The overarching World project has faced significant regulatory challenges, particularly in Europe where German regulators have ordered the company to delete biometric data over GDPR compliance concerns. Despite these hurdles, World continues to develop its verification tools while expanding potential applications for AI agent authentication, recently launching enhanced features through its World ID 3.0 platform in several markets.

Source: TechCrunch

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January 27, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim