Over 200,000 Chileans have signed up for World ID, according to an announcement made by Worldcoin (WLD) on September 24. World ID is a digital identity protocol developed by Worldcoin, which aims to help people prove online that they are human. The number of sign-ups for the platform in Chile exceeds 1% of the country’s population, which stands at around 19.5 million.
Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has faced increased scrutiny over data collection and privacy concerns. The project has been collecting biometric data, including iris scans, from individuals who sign up for World ID. However, data regulators and privacy groups in several countries, including Argentina, France, Kenya, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have raised concerns about the project’s data collection practices.
In Kenya, Worldcoin’s activities were suspended in August after thousands of people gathered in the capital, Nairobi, to have their eyes scanned in exchange for WLD tokens. Kenyan authorities launched a parliamentary inquiry into the project, and top executives of Worldcoin were reportedly detained before being released after US authorities intervened.
Despite the regulatory scrutiny, World ID has continued to attract sign-ups, with over 2.3 million people having their eyes scanned so far, according to information on the project’s website. Worldcoin believes that the digital ID provided by World ID will be essential in a world where AI may make it difficult to prove one’s personhood online.
Amid the growing demand for World ID in Chile, developer group Tools for Humanity has expanded the availability of biometric imaging devices (Orbs) to two additional locations in the country, namely Vina del Mar and Concepcion. These devices allow individuals to enroll in the World ID system by scanning their irises.
The controversy surrounding Worldcoin highlights the importance of privacy and data protection in the digital age. As more platforms and technologies emerge that collect and process personal data, it is crucial for regulators and organizations to ensure that individuals’ privacy rights are safeguarded. Transparency and clarity regarding data handling practices are essential to build trust in such systems.
In conclusion, over 200,000 Chileans have embraced World ID, a digital identity protocol developed by Worldcoin. Despite concerns raised by regulators and privacy groups regarding data collection practices, the project continues to gain traction. The case of Worldcoin serves as a reminder of the need for robust privacy regulations and transparent data management practices in the digital era.
