World ID Holders Can Delete IDs To Enhance Personal Data Security

Key Points:

• Worldcoin introduces updates allowing World ID holders to unverify their IDs, including permanent deletion of iris codes.
• In-person age verification checks are implemented to restrict Worldcoin access to individuals aged 18 and above.
• These measures follow regulatory scrutiny and aim to bolster transparency and privacy protections.

In an effort to address privacy concerns and enhance user control, Worldcoin, the cryptocurrency project aimed at verifying users’ humanity through iris scans, is introducing new measures.

Worldcoin Introduces Updates for World ID Holders

These updates come following scrutiny from government authorities and aim to bolster transparency and user autonomy.

The first update grants World ID holders the ability to unverify their IDs, including the permanent deletion of their iris code, a unique numeric representation of their iris texture. This move offers users unprecedented control over their personal data, further building upon the “Personal Custody” initiative rolled out earlier, which enables new signups to store their data on personal devices and prevents encryption and storage by Worldcoin.

Additionally, in-person age verification checks are being implemented to ensure that Worldcoin is accessible only to individuals aged 18 and above. These developments have been formulated in consultation with data protection authorities and privacy experts, including the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA).

Worldcoin’s Response to Regulatory Scrutiny and Data Protection Issues

Following the deletion request, a six-month “cool off” period will be initiated to prevent immediate re-verification for World ID holders and protect against fraud. This period culminates in the permanent deletion of the iris code, rendering the World ID invalid.

These updates underscore Worldcoin’s commitment to prioritizing user privacy and data protection. The project, which has issued World IDs to 4.8 million individuals, has faced regulatory scrutiny in various countries, prompting these proactive measures to address concerns surrounding biometric data collection.

Worldcoin’s initiative aligns with the broader vision of establishing reliable systems capable of verifying human identity in an increasingly digitized world, as emphasized by Tools for Humanity, a key contributor to the project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.