Is World’s biometric ID model a threat to self-sovereignty?
Sam Altman's World, previously known as Worldcoin, aims to verify human uniqueness through iris scans and distribute its WLD token for financial inclusion. Critics argue that its biometric methods are invasive and overly centralized, contradicting decentralization principles. The project relies on proprietary hardware, the Orb, and centralized data control, raising concerns about privacy and user sovereignty. World claims to use non-custodial systems and anonymizing technologies, asserting that no personal data is stored. However, skepticism persists regarding informed consent, especially among users in developing nations. Global regulators, including those in Germany and Brazil, have expressed concerns about biometric data security. Critics warn that reliance on iris scans could create a two-tiered society, excluding those unwilling to share sensitive information. World maintains that biometric enrollment is not mandatory for basic participation and emphasizes its open-source protocol. The debate also highlights the need for secure identity systems amid rising AI sophistication, with concerns about misinformation and fraud in digital ecosystems.
