Elliott Suthers, previously the head of corporate communications at Coinbase (COIN), has embarked on a new venture as the head of communications for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Worldcoin (WLD). This pioneering iris biometric crypto project, established in 2019 by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, is on a mission to redefine digital identity verification.

Suthers, whose career also encompasses government policy work in Washington, D.C., played a crucial role in Coinbase’s ascent, guiding the company’s communication strategy as it transitioned into a publicly traded entity in the United States since he joined in 2018.

Worldcoin, often a contentious topic, employs a unique biometric data collection device known as the “orb.” This chrome sphere, comparable in size to a bowling ball, is equipped with an ocular lens to scan irises. The orb’s primary function is to authenticate users as genuine humans rather than artificial entities—an essential feature in an era where distinguishing human interactions from those generated by advanced AI is becoming increasingly challenging.

In an email statement, Suthers emphasized the unprecedented potential of Worldcoin: “No other initiative today holds the capacity to differentiate humans from AI online while safeguarding privacy, facilitate global democratic engagement, and potentially pave the way for AI-financed Universal Basic Income (UBI). Many crypto endeavors consider their user base to be in the thousands or perhaps millions for exchanges or decentralized exchanges. In contrast, Worldcoin envisions assisting billions worldwide.”

This ambitious vision sets Worldcoin apart, aiming to address not just digital identity but also broader socio-economic challenges. With Suthers at the helm of communications in a vast and diverse region, Worldcoin is poised to advance its goal of creating a more secure and inclusive digital landscape.