World ID - iris biometrics

World ID is a global digital identity system that is designed to prove that an individual is a real, unique human online without disclosing their personal identity.

Developed by Tools for Humanity and forming part of the World blockchain-based identity and financial platform, World ID draws on iris biometrics and other data collected primarily using a chrome orb (aka "The Orb") to create a unique, anonymous identifier.

This unique identifier is linked to an individual's World ID, which can be used online to verify that they are a real person while keeping their personal identity private and enabling them to conduct transactions.

World ID is seen to address a number of growing problem in digital systems, including bot proliferation, AI-generated fake accounts, sybil attacks (multiple fake identities by one actor), and the difficulty distinguishing humans from machines online.

Transparency, accountability 🙈

World is seen to suffer from several important transparency and accountability limitations:

• Limited access to protocol infrastructure, restricting access to independent verification and auditing of the system's operations.

• Data usage, retention and deletion policies, including how collected biometric data will be used, stored, and potentially shared.

• Governance structure. While the WLD token is intended for potential use in protocol governance, the exact mechanisms and decision-making processes are not fully defined, raising questions about who ultimately controls the project's direction and policies.

• Legal and regulatory opacity. Worldcoin has faced regulatory challenges in multiple countries, but has been criticised for it lack of transparency about its plans to address these regulatory concerns and comply with diverse data protection laws.

Risks, harms 🛑

World ID's governance, field-testing and other activities have prompted concerns about user privacy, security and safety. It has also been accused of misleading and opaque marketing communication, unclear age restrictions, and other issues.

World has been the subject of regulatory investigations, bans and market withdrawals in multiple countries.

Research, advocacy 🧮

• Gent E. A Cryptocurrency for the Masses or a Universal ID?: Worldcoin Aims to Scan all the World's Eyeballs

• Kraiwanit T. et al. Adoption of Worldcoin digital wallet in Thailand