Proof of Humanity via Iris Scans on Tinder and Zoom
Tinder is introducing advanced eye-scanning technology to enable users to verify they are human rather than automated bots, addressing growing concerns about artificial intelligence misuse. Users of Tinder and other platforms like Zoom will have the option to scan their irises to obtain a "proof of humanity" badge linked to their profile or username.
Verification involves submitting an iris scan—the colored part of the eye—through either an online application or an orb-shaped scanning device operated by the World network. This process confirms the individual is human.
World, previously known as Worldcoin, is part of Tools for Humanity, a startup co-founded and chaired by Sam Altman, who also leads OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
Once verified, users receive a unique identification code stored on their smartphones, known as their World ID.
Challenges with Fake Accounts and AI Impersonation
Tinder and Zoom have faced increased issues with fake or malicious accounts over the past two years, as advancements in AI have made it easier to mimic human speech, voice, and appearance.
On Tinder, fraudulent profiles—commonly called "bots"—are often used to scam users out of money or personal data.
One user, Victoria Brooks, detailed on her personal blog last year that Tinder was overwhelmed with bots attempting to scam people. She estimated that 30% of Tinder profiles she encountered were "AI-enhanced, emotionally manipulative, algorithmically-optimized romance scammers." These accounts employ not only fake photos but also AI-generated scripts to engage with real users.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams caused losses exceeding $1 billion in the US last year.
In response, Tinder began requiring video selfies from all users late last year to verify authenticity. The integration of World ID will provide an additional verification method for users who opt in.
"Partnering with World ID is a natural next step" for Tinder, said Yoel Roth, head of trust and safety at Match Group, Tinder's parent company, to help users "know the person on the other end is real."
Zoom’s Concerns Over Deepfake Fraud
Zoom, widely used for professional video conferencing, is particularly concerned about sophisticated deepfake videos impersonating known individuals.
In 2024, an employee in Hong Kong was deceived by deepfake videos of his company's chief financial officer and other colleagues, resulting in a $25 million loss.
Deloitte research projects that financial fraud involving deepfake scams could reach $40 billion by 2027 in the US alone.
Users with a World ID can now choose to use it on Zoom to verify their identity and demonstrate they are who they claim to be.
World’s Evolution and Iris-Based Verification
The company behind this authentication technology has undergone several name changes. Initially launched to the public in 2022 as Worldcoin, alongside a cryptocurrency of the same name, it was renamed World Network in 2024 and shortened to World last year.
World employs iris scans for identification because the iris is the most unique human feature, surpassing even fingerprints in distinctiveness.
The company emphasizes that the verification process is anonymous, requiring no personal information such as names or addresses.
To date, 40 million individuals have registered with the World app.
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