Worldcoin Halts Iris Scanning Feature in India
Worldcoin recently implanted new policies geared towards expansion. However, the platform has added changes such as halting the offline verification feature for Indian consumers.
As per the official notification, the digital currency project noted that it has decided to impose a temporary halt on the offline orb verification process for users based in India. The firm noted that the service will be resumed in 2024 following the preview program.
The project issued a spherical structure called Orb that was sent to appoint Orb operators around various jurisdictions. In this manner, the project was able to collect account verification information in regions where traditional IDs are not an option.
The firm started an offline onboarding process that allowed users to earn rewards in USDC to incentivize local Orb operators. In November, the firm started releasing scanning rewards in the form of a native token called WLD instead of USDC.
Worldcoin Continues Orb Project Despite Regulatory Scrutiny
A report published by Moneycontrol noted that the Worldcoin project discontinued orb verification in India for 3-4 months. Meanwhile, users from the region seemingly continued to line up for registration with local Orb operators in various areas of the region.
Tools for Humanity, the parent company of Worldcoin retained that Orb project was only operational for limited time in regions such as France, India, and Brazil. The firm has noted in its latest declaration that it intends to restart services in India during 2024.
The notification read that proof-of-personhood is revoked on a temporary basis. The statement further noted that the plan will resume after implementing an orderly, safe, and specified protocol that completes the demand for World ID in regions such as India.
However, Worldcoin has been exposed to various controversies on account of its data collection features such as iris scan. Some legal experts argue that the project is ethically questionable and has Orwellian undertones.
Regulators from Various Regions Impose Restrictions on Worldcoin
In addition to legal experts and members of the blockchain industry, regulators from various jurisdictions have also raised concerns regarding Worldcoin. Administrators from Germany launched an investigation on Worldcoin in 2022.
The data regulatory body of the United Kingdom also issued a warning about initiating an investigation regarding the launch of the project. Meanwhile, Kenyan regulators imposed a ban on Worldcoin scans and operations.
Vulnerabilities in Orb’s Selection Process
Cybersecurity firm CertiK detected and reported vulnerabilities in the selection process of Orb operators. As per the report, this vulnerability can allow hackers to bypass the verification process and operate the Orb without a formal interview or acquiring an official ID.
At present, there are concerns regarding the public reach of AI technology and its misuse. Recently, Reddit users identified a deepfake video of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse running as a verified advert on YouTube by Google’s Trust and Safety Team.
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