Reddit Eyes Iris Scanning Tech for User Authentication

What is Worldcoin?

Worldcoin, now rebranded as World, is a project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and developed by Tools for Humanity. At its core is the Orb, a sleek, silver sphere equipped with advanced optical sensors that scan a user’s iris to create a unique, encrypted digital identity known as a World ID.

The process is straightforward: users stare into the Orb, which captures their iris pattern and converts it into a numerical code called an IrisCode.

The raw image is deleted, and the encrypted code is fragmented across secure servers, with a copy stored locally on the user’s device. As an incentive, users receive Worldcoin’s cryptocurrency, WLD, for participating.

Since its U.S. launch in April 2025, World has scanned over 12 million irises across cities like Atlanta, San Francisco, and London. The technology promises to distinguish real humans from bots without compromising personal data, a feature that aligns with Reddit’s goal of maintaining user anonymity while ensuring platform integrity.

However, the use of biometrics has sparked heated debates about privacy and security, making Reddit’s potential adoption a polarizing topic.

Reddit

Reddit, with over 1 billion monthly active users in 2025, has long battled bots and AI-driven spam that erode trust in its communities. In May 2025, Reddit’s CEO, Steve Huffman, announced plans to collect “a little more information” from users to comply with emerging age-verification laws and curb AI-generated content. The platform has also pursued legal action against AI experiments mimicking real users, signaling a proactive stance against digital manipulation.

Worldcoin’s Orb offers a solution that could verify users’ “humanness” without requiring personal details like names or addresses. Reddit is reportedly considering an opt-in model, where users who choose iris-based verification gain benefits like enhanced reputation scores or reduced spam filters. This approach mirrors strategies used by other platforms, such as Tinder, which announced a pilot program with World ID in Japan to verify user ages, and Visa, which launched a credit card for World ID holders in April 2025.

Despite its promise, Worldcoin’s technology has faced significant pushback. The Electronic Privacy Information Center labeled it a “potential privacy nightmare,” citing risks associated with biometric data collection. Regulators in Germany, Spain, and Portugal have scrutinized Worldcoin’s data-handling practices, with some advocating for bans on its operations.

Critics argue that even though Worldcoin claims to delete raw iris images, the fragmented IrisCode could still pose risks if hacked or misused.

Reddit’s opt-in model could mitigate some concerns, but it must navigate a complex landscape of user trust and compliance. The platform’s silence on a timeline for implementation suggests it is treading carefully, likely weighing the benefits of enhanced security against potential user pushback.

In 2025, companies like Match Group and Visa have embraced World ID, while blockchain-based decentralized identity solutions gain traction as alternatives. These technologies aim to give users control over their data, contrasting with Worldcoin’s centralized approach.

The stakes are high for Reddit. A successful rollout could position it as a pioneer in combating online fraud while preserving the anonymity that defines its culture. However, a misstep could alienate its user base, as seen in past controversies over policy changes.

For now, the discussions remain exploratory, but the implications are profound. Will Reddit’s users embrace the Orb’s futuristic gaze, or will privacy concerns dim its shine? Only time will tell.