Social media platform Reddit is reportedly considering using the iris-scanning orbs developed by Worldcoin — a project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman — for its user verification system, according to a Semafor report citing two people familiar with the matter.
The proposed World ID system aims to verify Redditors as unique individuals. Notably, the report indicated the system could still permit users to maintain anonymity.
In response, many Reddit users have expressed strong opposition, stating they would consider deleting their accounts or migrating to another platform due to concerns over privacy and anonymity.
“Tell me – should I be happy that Reddit may enter the crypto space or sad that they want to verify us users by a method we already declined when [Worldcoin] was launched?” one user questioned.
Worldcoin’s biometric data collection via its “orbs” has faced significant criticism, including advocacy efforts from industry groups and policymakers calling for bans in certain jurisdictions. As of May, over 12 million individuals had scanned their irises using the orbs.
Worldcoin announced plans in April to launch its service in six U.S. cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. Furthermore, The Match Group (parent company of Tinder and Hinge) and Visa have announced pilot programs or partnerships involving World ID.
Is Reddit a bastion of user anonymity and privacy?
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman previously stated the platform needed “a little more information” about users, citing regulatory requirements related to age verification and combating AI impersonation, framing the goal as “keeping Reddit human.” This statement did not mention World ID at the time, but suggested reliance on third-party services for verification. Huffman emphasized not wanting to know users’ identities.
