In June 2025, Reddit began testing an eyeball-scan feature in partnership with World ID, the biometric verification system co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The goal? To confirm users are real humans while maintaining their anonymity—a bold move to combat rising AI-driven fake content.
What Is the Eyeball-Scan Feature?
The feature uses an iris-scanning Orb from Tools for Humanity (formerly Worldcoin). Users peer into the Orb device, which captures a digital “hash” of their iris—no photos are stored. Once verified, they receive a World ID, stored in an encrypted vault on their phone.
5 Reasons It Matters
1. Proof of Humanity, Anonymously
Reddit aims to verify someone is human without collecting personal info like names or emails. The iris scan merely produces a unique code.
2. Fighting AI-Generated Bots
With AI bots flooding Reddit, Steve Huffman emphasized the need to confirm users are real. “Reddit works because it’s human,” he said.
3. Age Verification Capabilities
The Orb includes age detection, rejecting scans for individuals under 18—helping Reddit comply with global regulations.
4. Multiple Options for Users
World ID is just one method. Reddit plans to offer many third-party verification options. Only fully verified users get the complete feature set. theverge.com
5. Privacy Is Central—but Controversial
World ID stores only encrypted hashes, fragmented across servers. Raw biometric data isn’t saved. Yet, this tech faces backlash over storing sensitive ID info.
What Comes Next
- Pilot testing may begin soon with selected communities.
- If adopted, verified Redditors might access features unavailable to unverified users.
- Reddit and World ID will need to navigate complex privacy regulations, especially in regions like the EU.
Final Thoughts
Reddit’s eyeball‑scan feature marks a groundbreaking—and controversial—step toward verifying users in an increasingly AI‑driven online world. Balancing bot prevention, legal compliance, and user trust will be vital to its success.
