Key Takeaways
- Worldcoin has announced two new updates: the ability to unverify World IDs through permanent iris code deletion and in-person age verification checks at each humanness verification location.
- These updates were established in consultation with third-party data, privacy, and security experts.
In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, distinguishing between human users and bots online has become a paramount challenge.
Worldcoin, a venture co-founded by Sam Altman, aims to distribute a digital ID and free cryptocurrency to users in exchange for scanning their irises with a device known as the “orb.”
The World ID project is a secure digital passport designed to verify an individual’s humanness without compromising their privacy. Today, Worldcoin announced significant updates aimed at bolstering user trust and offering unparalleled personal control over data.
“Worldcoin does not seek to know who you are, just that you are a unique human,” the company said in a statement.
The first major update is the introduction of a feature that allows World ID holders to unverify their ID through the permanent deletion of their iris code. This step is a response to growing concerns over data privacy and control, enabling users to exercise their right to be forgotten in the digital world. The process includes a 6-month cool-off period to prevent fraud, ensuring that iris codes are irretrievably deleted only after this duration.
Another critical advancement is the implementation of in-person age verification checks at all Worldcoin orb locations. This move is designed to restrict Worldcoin’s access to those aged 18 and over, thereby enhancing the platform’s integrity and user safety. The verification process, conducted by third-party personnel, will not involve the storage, recording, or transmission of personal information, reaffirming Worldcoin’s commitment to privacy.
These updates follow consultations with third-party privacy and security experts and preliminary assessments by data protection authorities, including the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision in the EU.
The introduction of features such as the Unverify World ID option leverages zero knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to protect user identity and biometric data from being associated with their World ID use.
The World ID project has gained the trust of approximately 4.8 million people worldwide, who rely on their orb-verified ID to prove their humanness online without revealing their identity. This trust is set to deepen with the new measures, which reflect Worldcoin’s dedication to creating a data-minimizing, transparent, and trustworthy system.
Dr. Stefan Brink, a noted data protection expert, highlighted the significance of World ID in combatting surveillance capitalism by offering a model for anonymous proof of humanness. This approach, he noted, strengthens opportunities for data protection-compliant online activities, contrasting sharply with traditional identification methods that compromise personal data.
As Worldcoin continues to refine its platform, it remains committed to open sourcing key components, from hardware to AI pipelines, ensuring the project remains transparent and secure. Collaborations with third-party experts and regulatory bodies are also a priority, aiming to advance privacy and control standards in the digital age.
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