Details of Biometric Project
Context:
- On July 24, Worldcoin was formally reintroduced on Twitter by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. One of his endeavours, Worldcoin, was overshadowed by ChatGPT’s accomplishments.
Worldcoin:
- The goal of the Worldcoin project is to create a digital network where anybody can invest and take part in the digital economy.
- A person’s iris pattern is scanned by Worldcoin volunteers known as “Orb operators” using a device called “Orb” to collect their biometric information and let them apply for a World ID through the World app.
- Worldcoin asserts that it is building the “largest identity and financial public network” that is globally accessible.
The method:
- The users must be willing to have both their own and other people’s irises inspected.
- Volunteers sign up to serve as “Orb operators” in their community in exchange for receiving basic training and a biometric device to scan irises.
- Orb operators can even rent out the orb to other people so they can scan eyeballs as well.
- Those who get their irises scanned and obtain a World ID with this can claim the WLD coin. The cryptocurrency can then be used for transactions or saved in case its value rises, as it did when it was introduced.
- However, users don’t need to use an app or be scanned in order to buy or trade WLD.
- In exchange for introducing more users to the Worldcoin network, Orb operators receive WLD, an Ethereum-based money.
- The second-largest cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization is ether, the native currency of the Ethereum platform.
- However, anyone can create a token that makes advantage of the Ethereum blockchain. WLD is one such cryptocurrency.
Inspecting irises:
- Worldcoin said that adding biometric data to prevent duplication was a valid option in order to include everyone in their network.
- With its Aadhaar system, India, according to the company, had “proven the effectiveness of biometrics”.
- Aadhaar IDs have often prohibited people from entering in social welfare programmes, according to Worldcoin.
- The company asserted that it uses a method known as zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to secure consumers’ anonymity.
- Furthermore, Worldcoin has said that it fully conforms with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- People who want a World ID do not have to give their name, phone number, email address, or home address. The photos the Orb collected are used to create a distinctive iris code.
- These pictures are automatically deleted following the development of the iris code unless the user elects to take part in data custody.
The review:
- Worldcoin was criticised before to its relaunch.
- According to a whistleblower, even if the individual’s biometric scans were erased for privacy reasons, as Worldcoin guaranteed it would, the unique identification for the scan would still be compatible with subsequent scans of the same person’s eyes.
Worldcoin and India:
- According to the company’s website, it has. 18 locations, mostly in Bangalore, Noida, and Delhi, are listed by Worldcoin as having Orb operators who conduct eye scans. Some of the places in these cities are well-known malls and metro stations.
Conclusion:
- The Worldcoin project’s noble objective of creating a trustworthy digital identity system has, however, also given rise to legitimate privacy issues. Sensitive biometric data collection and storage, such iris scans, raise questions about potential abuse. Additionally, the idea of a global identification system may raise worries about surveillance and centralised administration of personal data.
