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World, the digital identity platform, celebrates 10 million verified users on its World Network. However, privacy controversies and restrictive regulations in various nations represent an obstacle to the growth of the global network.
Let’s see all the details in this article.
World Network: an important milestone for the digital identity network
World, previously known as Worldcoin, has announced a significant result in the field of digital identification: 10 million verified users on its global network.
This result highlights the growing adoption of innovative solutions for digital identity, but also raises important issues related to privacy and international regulation.
The World project is based on a technology that uses biometric devices, called “spheres,” to collect personal data and demonstrate the personality of the users.
This verification is used to certify that the user is indeed human, a goal that becomes crucial in the context of the accelerated development of artificial intelligence (AI).
In the official company blog published on January 9, the World team emphasized the importance of proof of humanity in an era dominated by intelligent machines:
“As AI agents evolve, the proof of being human will likely provide the cornerstone to enable ethical and scalable artificial intelligence, ensuring that humans remain power creators in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines.”
Ethical and regulatory challenges
Despite the technological and operational success, World is at the center of heated debates. The criticisms focus mainly on the privacy risks associated with the collection of biometric data and the potential violations of human rights.
The critics fear that these systems could be used for mass surveillance or for authoritarian purposes, especially in countries with weak governance.
The debate extends beyond the ethical sphere: several governments have imposed limitations on World operations.
In March 2024, Portugal imposed a 90-day suspension, justifying it with the need to protect citizens’ rights and to verify the legality of biometric data collection.
In the same period, Spain blocked the company’s activities for three months, citing accusations of violations of consent and processing of minors’ data.
These measures are not isolated. In August 2023, Kenya was among the first countries to ban World, citing concerns about national security and privacy protection.
More recently, South Korea has imposed a fine of 1.1 billion won (approximately 829,000 dollars) for alleged violations of personal data protection laws.
An uncertain future for digital identity
While the debate continues, World defends itself by claiming that its operations comply with the laws of all the jurisdictions in which it is present.
The company claims to adopt rigorous standards to ensure the security and confidentiality of data, while at the same time striving to build an ecosystem that can promote technological innovation.
However, regulatory opposition could represent a significant obstacle for the growth and spread of this digital identity model.
The necessity of balancing innovation, privacy, and global regulations is a complex challenge that requires a collaborative approach among companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations.
Ultimately, the debate on digital identity does not concern only World, but touches on fundamental themes for our technological and social future: privacy, human rights, and the role of artificial intelligence.
As technology advances, these issues will remain central in defining the relationship between humans and machines.
English (US) ·