Worldcoin, the digital identity and cryptocurrency project developed by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has announced new features aimed at enhancing personal data protection and improving age verification. These updates include the ability for World ID holders to unverify their World IDs by permanently deleting their iris codes, which are numeric representations of their unique iris texture. This feature ensures that individuals can only verify one World ID and adds an extra layer of security against fraud. Unverifying a World ID requires a six-month “cool-off” period to prevent immediate re-verification, during which the iris code is permanently deleted and made unrecoverable.
To ensure the privacy and security of these features, Worldcoin sought the expertise of third-party privacy and security specialists, including the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA), which serves as Worldcoin’s primary supervisory authority in the European Union. Alongside iris code deletion, Worldcoin has also introduced in-person age verification checks to ensure that the platform is accessible only to individuals above the age of 18. These checks will be conducted by third-party personnel at all orb locations before World ID verification.
According to a Worldcoin spokesperson, these updates were developed in consultation with privacy and security experts to guarantee their effectiveness. It is worth noting that Worldcoin has faced criticism regarding its centralized nature, as well as concerns about privacy and security. The project’s European Union supervisor, BayLDA, initiated an investigation into Worldcoin prior to its official launch due to privacy concerns. The Kenyan government banned Worldcoin in August 2023, suspending all local activities associated with the platform. Worldcoin has been engaging with the Kenyan government to resume its operations in the country.
As of March 2024, Worldcoin claims to be operating lawfully in all locations where it is available and asserts full compliance with relevant laws. Despite initial skepticism and challenges faced, Worldcoin aims to establish a global financial and identity network based on proof of personhood. Altman, the creator of OpenAI, launched Worldcoin in July 2023, hoping to provide a comprehensive network that merges financial services with digital identity verification.
Altman’s vision of merging financial services with digital identity verification seems like a recipe for disaster. I don’t want my finances and personal data in the hands of one entity.
Age verification checks conducted by third-party personnel? How can we trust that these workers are truly qualified and unbiased? 😒
It’s concerning that Worldcoin needed to bring in third-party experts to ensure privacy and security. Shouldn’t they have had these measures in place from the start?
Wow, Worldcoin is really stepping up its game when it comes to personal data protection and age verification! This new feature of unverifying World IDs by deleting iris codes adds an extra layer of security against fraud. It’s great to see that Worldcoin values privacy and has sought the expertise of third-party specialists like the BayLDA. I’m glad they are taking the necessary measures to ensure the platform is accessible only to individuals above the age of 18. Worldcoin is really making progress and working towards its goal of establishing a global financial and identity network. The efforts they have made to comply with relevant laws are commendable. Keep up the good work, Worldcoin!