Worldcoin, a non-profit organization that is aiming to create a global identity network akin to India’s Aadhaar, has already signed up over 2.4 million people to have their irises scanned by Worldcoin’s “orb” devices in exchange for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency. Privacy campaigners have raised concerns that the database could be misused.

The organization’s goal is to create a universal identity system that can be used to access a variety of services, such as financial services, healthcare, and education. The organization believes that this would help to reduce poverty and inequality around the world.

However, privacy campaigners have raised concerns about the security of the Worldcoin database. They argue that the database could be used by governments or other organizations to track and monitor people. They also argue that people may not be fully aware of the risks involved in sharing their iris scans with Worldcoin.

Worldcoin has said that it takes data privacy very seriously. The organization has said that it will only use iris scans for the purpose of verifying identity and that it will not share the scans with anyone else. The organization has also said that it will encrypt the scans and store them securely.

Despite these assurances, privacy campaigners remain concerned about the Worldcoin project. They argue that the potential risks of the project outweigh the potential benefits.

It is still too early to say whether Worldcoin will be successful in its mission to create a global identity network. The organization faces a number of challenges, including the need to gain the trust of users and the need to address privacy concerns.

Key takeaways:

• Worldcoin is a non-profit organization that is aiming to create a global identity network akin to India’s Aadhaar.
• The organization has already signed up over 2.4 million people to have their irises scanned in exchange for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency.
• Privacy campaigners have raised concerns about the security of the Worldcoin database.
• Worldcoin has said that it takes data privacy very seriously and that it will only use iris scans for the purpose of verifying identity and that it will not share the scans with anyone else.
• It is still too early to say whether Worldcoin will be successful in its mission to create a global identity network.

Additional information:

• Worldcoin website: https://worldcoin.org/
• India’s Aadhaar system: https://www.india.gov.in/application-aadhar-card
• Privacy campaigners’ concerns about Worldcoin: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/worldcoin-draws-attention-due-to-privacy-concerns/7224177.html

Privacy campaigners have raised concerns that the Worldcoin project could lead to a mass surveillance system. They argue that the iris scans collected by Worldcoin could be used to track and monitor people’s movements and activities. They also argue that the data could be used to discriminate against people or to target them for advertising or other purposes.

Worldcoin has said that it takes privacy very seriously and that it will only use the iris scans collected for the purpose of verifying identity. The organization has also said that it will not share the scans with anyone else. However, privacy campaigners remain concerned about the project and have called for it to be halted until more safeguards are put in place.

The Worldcoin project is a controversial one, and it is likely to continue to be debated for some time. Only time will tell whether the project will be successful or whether it will be seen as a major privacy failure.