The Worldcoin Foundation has introduced its digital ID-issuing orb in Austria, providing access to its digital identity verification technology across Europe.
Residents of Vienna who are 18 or older may authenticate their World ID at numerous locations throughout the city as of July 31, becoming part of a global network of more than 6.3 million users.
Worldcoin in Europe
The German-based company Tools for Humanity, which operates Worldcoin, is adhering to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The initiative has also consulted with the Austrian data protection authority to address privacy and data security concerns.
The company emphasized that World ID verification only acquires additional personal data beyond the iris scan necessary for the process.
According to Friederike Lumbroso-Baumgartner, the general manager of Tools for Humanity in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the project’s objective is to broaden its scope significantly.
“Our goal is to enable as many people as possible to obtain the World ID quickly.”
Worldcoin stated that Austrians interested in the initiatives can become Worldcoin ambassadors to assist in disseminating “awareness and understanding of the project.”
The Austrian launch follows a similar one that occurred in Germany recently. This event occurred following an investigation into Worldcoin by the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision, or BayLDA, regarding biometric data collection concerns.
According to reports, the BayLDA investigated Worldcoin’s operations in November 2022.
The company has encountered skepticism from other governmental agencies worldwide, including in Spain, where it has temporarily suspended operations.
In Hong Kong, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has determined that Worldcoin’s operations infringe upon the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, prompting the request to cease services, in addition to Spain.
Simultaneously, the organization has been diligently striving to comply with local privacy laws to enhance its credibility with regulators and users worldwide. Worldcoin enhanced its security in May by releasing its biometric data system for open source. Additionally, it affirmed that users can now securely delete old iris codes.
Kenya discontinued operations in 2023 due to an inquiry initiated by local authorities. In June, the country ended its investigation, announcing that “no additional police action” would be taken.
Nevertheless, Worldcoin has been the subject of fresh allegations regarding price manipulation and a scam involving its native Worldcoin (WLD) token. Since then, the organization has refuted claims of manipulation and covert trading.
On July 23, 2024, the initiative commemorated its inaugural anniversary.
