worldcoin is the initiative of Sam Altmann that has generated the most controversy. Through Orbs, this mechanism scans the eye (iris) of people which implies obtaining a biometric identification unique for each individual, that makes it exclusive for each user who decides to obtain one of these cryptocurrencies.
Many countries were concerned about the security and privacy of people’s data and suspended it. Brazil the most recent. The seemingly simple operation consists of installing an app on mobile devices, followed by receiving a QR code.
Then, a metallic sphere performs the eye scan, generating a kind of “personality imprint”. This information is linked to the QR code, transforming the application into a digital passport called WorldIDwhich also works as wallet of a cryptocurrency of the same name, Worldcoin.
Brazil joins in prohibiting these records, due to concerns about the authenticity and legality of these operations, as well as the lack of clarity in the consent of users, whose terms of data transfer have not been translated into local languages.
It is not the only one, with its recent and to date momentary suspension, they become the tenth country to put a stop to this initiative by the CEO of Open AI, Sam Altman. The other countries are: Kenya, Nigeria, Argentina, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
For some experts, the project presents a peculiar interpretation of the typical capitalist philanthropic narrative.
Sofie Henriksen, an anthropologist specializing in the intersection of humanitarian action and big tech, argues that the latter are increasingly using their philanthropic projects as platforms for test new technologies, expand your user base and collect personal data to train algorithms.
worldcoin You have stated that your data is secure and will not be used for any purpose other than the distribution of your cryptocurrency. However, privacy concerns persist and they will likely continue to face challenges operating in the countries where it has been suspended.