Comedian and internet personality Adam Conover best known for debunking popular myths on his hit show Adam Ruins Everything is now under scrutiny himself after posting a video involving Worldcoin’s controversial iris-scanning orb. The video, posted in collaboration with Worldcoin on Instagram, has triggered backlash online, especially within crypto and privacy-focused communities.
From Skeptic to Spokesperson?
In the now-viral three-minute reel, Conover is seen interacting with a Worldcoin representative and the infamous biometric “Orb” at a keynote event hosted by the company in San Francisco. The actor claims that he was paid to attend the event, but not to endorse the product.
“They do not want me to endorse it, they just want me to ask skeptical questions and let you make up your own mind,” Conover states in the video.
Despite these claims, critics argue that the tone of the video leaned more toward soft promotion than genuine skepticism. At one point, Conover highlights the features of the World App and even jokes about future integrations, saying, “You will be able to log into Tinder and other services like that using World.”
The closing remark “Are you gonna get yourself Orbed or not? It’s entirely up to you” has been interpreted by many as a nudge toward participation, further fueling accusations of implicit endorsement.
Internet Reacts: “Adam Ruins His Reputation?”
Reddit users were quick to criticize the comedian for what they view as a contradictory stance. Known for his thorough, investigative takedowns on complex issues, many expected Conover to approach a project like Worldcoin with far more caution especially given the platform’s controversial history.
“Even in the crypto space, Worldcoin is well-known to be a huge invasion of privacy,” one Redditor commented. “Adam – someone whose entire shtick is deep research – has no reason to not have known what he was promoting.”
Another user sarcastically remarked, “And finally, with his work complete, Adam had ruined everything else, so he turned his power inward and ruined himself.”
Adding fuel to the fire, some viewers noted that the video only shows a very brief clip of Conover supposedly scanning his iris, suggesting he may not have completed the full verification process himself. Critics argue that this visual hesitation undermines his supposed neutrality and questions his trust in the technology he’s showcasing.
Worldcoin’s Ongoing Privacy Concerns
Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, is no stranger to controversy. Its biometric data collection via the Orb device has prompted international concern. The project has been banned or suspended in several countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, due to data privacy issues and opaque practices.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital most recently suspended the platform on May 5, citing “suspicious activities” linked to the data collection process.
In response to ongoing backlash, Worldcoin has clarified that biometric data remains on the user’s device and is not shared with third parties. Additionally, the platform claims to offer an option for users to delete their iris codes permanently, effectively revoking their World ID.
The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Influence in Crypto
Adam Conover’s involvement is another example in a growing trend where celebrities and influencers become entangled in crypto-related controversies sometimes unknowingly. His video raises critical questions about influencer responsibility, especially when the products involved collect sensitive biometric data.
While Conover maintains that his intent was purely informational, the reaction suggests that transparency alone may not be enough especially when skepticism appears diluted and trust in the product remains heavily debated.
A Lesson in Digital Caution
What began as a paid appearance to “ask questions” has turned into a reputational risk for Conover. The Worldcoin project continues to expand globally despite regulatory headwinds, and the debate over digital identity and biometric data collection is far from over.
In a space where privacy concerns are paramount and public trust is fragile, even a perceived endorsement intentional or not can spark widespread controversy.
