Worldcoin’s Orb Mini sparks backlash despite 7,500-unit rollout

Worldcoin’s (CRYPTO:WLD) new Orb Mini, a portable iris-scanning device designed for human verification, has faced widespread criticism and mockery across Crypto Twitter.

The device, launched with the slogan “It goes where you go,” aims to create unique World IDs stored on the blockchain but has drawn dystopian comparisons and skepticism over its purpose and ethics.

Alicia Katz from Euler Finance commented, “The thing about humans is they can tell when a human is in front of them,” highlighting the device’s unsettling nature.

Others joked about its practicality, with one user asking, “Is this so you can register your friends?” and another sarcastically suggesting a “rectal probe” for more secure identity verification.

The Orb Mini resembles a smartphone with visible eye sensors and is a smaller version of Worldcoin’s original Orb.

It was unveiled at the “At Last” event in San Francisco on April 30 and is part of Tools for Humanity’s plan to deploy 7,500 units across the US by the end of the year.

Critics have raised concerns about security vulnerabilities, including the device’s susceptibility to spoofing by AI-generated images.

Swan Bitcoin CEO Cory Klippsten described the Orb Mini as a “creepy dystopia-shilling” tool, suggesting it reflects the creators’ insecurities rather than addressing genuine trust issues.

Worldcoin’s biometric identity efforts have faced regulatory resistance worldwide, with privacy advocates questioning its impact on decentralisation, surveillance, and bodily autonomy.

In May, the company encountered obstacles in Indonesia when local regulators suspended its registration certificates.

Countries like Germany, Kenya, and Brazil have also expressed concerns about the security risks posed to users’ biometric data.

Despite these challenges, Worldcoin continues to push its biometric verification technology amid ongoing debates about privacy and ethics in the crypto space.

At the time of reporting, the Worldcoin (WLD) price was $1.30.