Recently, I’ve been reading about Worldcoin, an initiative co-founded by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman. It seeks to create a global digital identity register called ‘World ID’ based on biometric data. This information is gathered via silver orbs which scan a person’s eye to create a unique cryptographic pattern for that individual. Worldcoin’s mission is to integrate World ID into web3 applications, social media platforms and a future universal basic income programme. The scheme has already faced