The CEO of Open AI just launched a Worldcoin project for people to participate in the global economy. Individuals who sign up through the company’s website or by downloading its app will need to have their iris ready. The locations where a biometric device called Orb is available will scan their iris for verification and permission to access the company ecosystem, which is a concern.
Europe is already investigating the company’s project. The data protection authorities expressed their concern about the users’ privacy and safety issues. Their inquiries range from consent to the collection of data by Worldcoin. The U.K. is making inquiries for privacy compliance with GDPR. The German and Spanish authorities are unable to go into detail, but they are investigating the data processing. France is investigating what Worldcoin is doing with storing biometric data.
Despite that, the Worldcoin continues to expand its operation to encourage more users to sign up, but that is not all. The company allows governments and companies around the world to use its process for getting a global ID. This raises questions about how iris data is protected. Will it open the door for more vulnerability in the selling and buying of iris data? Will it do more harm than good?
The black market had accessed the Worldcoin network beta for iris data for a low price, and people in China brought it from elsewhere. Cybercriminals may hack into the iris data and use it for malicious activities that bring harm to individuals and society. Depending on the government, they might use the information for security, authenticity, surveillance, or approval to sell and buy, among other things. This raises concern about the consequences of merging digital identity with physical identity, along with safety issues. Even though the company said that it was not the iris data but the World ID, the digital ID of a person is not in the safe zone.
Moreover, will the global ID lead to a social credit system that will affect businesses and individuals? How trustworthy is the global digital market? Will it turn into centralized power or cyber sovereignty? What is the impact of digital human rights? Will Worldcoin also move toward dominating the internet globally? The CEO of Tools for Humanity pointed out that it needs individuals to get involved with Worldcoin for authentication if they want to use the internet.
The recent Worldcoin project will have the impact of transforming society and lives. How positive or negative it will be is not known. There are still so many questions and concerns about privacy and safety issues, along with the global ID. As of now, some countries are already in the process of investigating the project. The Worldcoin is expanding its project and allowing other organizations to use its products.
Sources:
Surprise!: Iris-Scanning ID System Worldcoin Says Governments, Companies Can Use Its Database
Worldcoin’s official launch triggers swift privacy scrutiny in Europe
OpenAI Founder’s Worldcoin Reportedly Perpetuates Black Market for Iris Data
CEO of Company that Wants to Scan Your Irises: ‘World ID’ Is Coming ‘Whether You Like It or Not’
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