Podcast Title: Better Offline
Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Episode: Monologue: Sam Altman's BS Eye Scanning Startup
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Introduction
In the May 9, 2025 episode of Better Offline, host Ed Zitron delivers a scathing monologue titled "Sam Altman's BS Eye Scanning Startup." This episode delves deep into the controversial project known as World, spearheaded by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. Ed Zitron meticulously dissects the project's intentions, execution, and broader implications for society and the tech industry.
Unveiling "World" by Tools for Humanity
Ed begins by introducing World, a project described by its creators as "a network of real humans built on an anonymous proof of human and globally inclusive financial network." (00:54) However, Zitron is quick to dismiss this jargon-laden description, labeling it as a "slew of buzzwords" intended to mask the project's true nature—a collection of subpar applications necessitating users to undergo an invasive eye-scanning procedure.
Notable Quote:
"I want to die. Anyway, this slew of buzzwords is meant to distract you from what World really is a collection of extremely shitty apps that requires you to scan your eyeball for some reason." (00:54)
The Eye-Scanning Process and Accessibility Issues
A critical aspect of World is its reliance on biometric data collection through eye scans. To participate, users must visit one of the 7,000 orbs distributed globally. Zitron points out the limited and seemingly arbitrary distribution of these orbs, located in countries like Thailand, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador, while notably absent from regions like France, the United Kingdom, and Australia—likely due to stringent local regulations.
Notable Quote:
"New users sign up by using one of 7,000 orbs scattered throughout the world to scan their eyeballs... they didn't really go anywhere. On top of the obvious privacy concerns of millions of people creating a giant biometric database of their eyes." (Multiple timestamps)
Critique of Worldcoin and Its Token Economics
Upon signing up, users receive 16 Worldcoin (WLD) tokens, valued at 91 cents each at the time of the monologue. Zitron challenges the practicality of this incentive, questioning the value exchanged for biometric data. He likens Worldcoin's approach to past cryptocurrency scams, emphasizing the lack of a sustainable business model or meaningful application beyond token distribution.
Notable Quote:
"World's app is a boring collection of crypto adjacent bullshit, the kind of which I thought we'd abandoned five years ago." (09:45)
Ethical and Privacy Concerns
Zitron raises significant red flags regarding the ethical implications of Worldcoin's data collection practices. He cites a 2022 MIT Technology Review report highlighting that local orb operators were incentivized with commissions for each biometric scan, often operating in vulnerable regions. This model transforms them into data collection agents, profiting from individuals who may not fully understand the implications of sharing their biometric information.
Notable Quote:
"Orb would hire local orb operators to sign people up and I quote, receiving commission for each person's biometric data that they collect, turning them into the equivalent of door-to-door salesman... trying to take pictures of your eyes." (05:30)
Comparisons to Existing Identification Systems
Drawing parallels to India's Aadhaar program, Zitron argues that creating a comprehensive biometric identification system does not necessitate blockchain or cryptocurrency integration. Aadhaar, established 16 years ago, successfully linked biometric data to unique identifiers without the baggage associated with Worldcoin's approach.
Notable Quote:
"India managed to accomplish this without crypto or the blockchain. I'm sure it's not perfect, I'm sure that there are critics of it, but it's definitely better than World." (10:15)
Assessing the App Ecosystem and Market Viability
Despite claims of housing 150 apps, Zitron reveals that World only boasts 63, primarily revolving around cryptocurrency functionalities or verification services tied to World IDs. He criticizes the quality and utility of these applications, comparing them unfavorably to established platforms, and underscores the redundancy of features already available elsewhere.
Notable Quote:
"World's App Store is nonsense and to talk about it as a real app store is journalistic malpractice. Come the fuck on." (11:50)
The Illusion of Innovation and Media Influence
Zitron contends that World capitalizes on Sam Altman's reputation to gain media traction and investor funding, despite lacking tangible progress or innovation. He underscores a broader flaw in the tech industry's ecosystem, where companies can secure significant investments and media coverage without delivering substantive products or solutions.
Notable Quote:
"If Sam Altman was not involved with this, this wouldn't get coverage and it would never have raised money. And frankly, I think everyone would be making fun of it." (11:00)
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Tech Overreach
Ed Zitron concludes his monologue by declaring Worldcoin a "farce" and a "cynical con," lamenting the tech industry's propensity to obfuscate and exploit without delivering genuine value. He warns listeners of the dangers posed by unchecked technological ventures that prioritize hype and data extraction over ethical considerations and meaningful innovation.
Notable Quote:
"World is a farce. It's another cynical con. Yes, Hal, peddled by a cynical con man." (12:30)
Final Thoughts
Ed Zitron's impassioned critique serves as a stark reminder of the ethical challenges and potential pitfalls inherent in the rapid advancement of technology. By dissecting Sam Altman's Worldcoin project, Zitron not only exposes the flaws and questionable motives behind it but also calls for greater accountability and transparency within the tech industry to safeguard societal interests.