Virtual identity and cryptocurrency project, Worldcoin has added new features to enhance the protection of users’ data and enhance age verification. On Tuesday, the virtual identity project designed by OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman announced two innovative updates via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
As revealed, the update allows users of the virtual identity project to delete their World IDs by deleting their iris code permanently. Also, the part of the update will aid users in carrying out in-person age verification. In the post, the firm revealed that World ID holders now have the option to unverify their ID. Furthermore, upon the completion of the un-verification process, the user ID will automatically become invalid.
Meanwhile, in a bid to protect users against illicit activities, it will take six months for the deletion process to be completed, thereafter their iris code will delete permanently and become unretrievable. It is worth mentioning that the World ID is a virtual passport that verifies the humanness of individuals through a verification device known as orb.
To verify the humanness of an individual, the orbs are used to scan users’ eyeballs which will then generate an iris code. More so, the iris code is a numeric representation of users’ special iris texture. Additionally, the iris code helps ensure that users can only have one non-transferable World ID. Recall that Sam Altman launched the Worldcoin project in July 2023 with the focus of establishing a “global financial and identity network based on proof of personhood.”
Further Insights into the Update by Worldcoin
Likewise, the second update is to ensure that holders of the virtual passport are humans above the age of 18 years old. The firm explained that the on-site age verification process will take place at all orbs centers and users must carry them out while registering their World ID. Furthermore, Worldcoin revealed that third-party personnel will carry out the verification at the entrance of the orbs center.
While explaining the rationale behind the update, the firm disclosed that Worldcoin, like other apps that are well-known in the world today, often mandates that users confirm if they meet the age requirement. Consequently, the firm said that it has always mandated that users are up to 18 years old before applying for a World ID. Hence, the update is to ensure compliance with its stipulations.
However, the new update by Worldcoin came into play through the assistance of third-party privacy and security experts which includes the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA). In a statement, the firm confirmed that BayLDA serves as its lead supervisory authority in the European Union.