Worldcoin introduced the option to permanently delete iris codes to authenticate World IDs in response to mounting criticism.
Nearly five million people have registered for the program, which issues digital World IDs to participants after verifying their personhood through iris scanning.
Worldcoin (WLD) now offers users the option to permanently erase their “iris code,” a unique numerical representation of their iris texture, in order to allay privacy worries.
“Now, World ID holders have even more control with the option to unverify their World ID,” the group stated in a blog post. The choice is in line with Worldcoin’s continuous initiatives to allay privacy worries and forward its goal of creating a digital identity system that can authenticate a person in the age of artificial intelligence.
In response, Worldcoin launched Personal Custody, a feature that allows users to choose not to have their data encrypted and stored by Worldcoin, while enabling new users to store their data on personal devices.
In addition, the initiative has consulted outside privacy experts to design these new procedures and has instituted in-person age verification checks for anyone above 18. The Worldcoin team wrote:
“The individual’s World ID will become invalid, and a six-month ‘cool off’ period will be initiated.”
The duration is intended to stop fraud by making sure that people are unable to instantly re-verify their identities. Worldcoin is committed to protecting user privacy and data, and after this time, the iris code will be permanently erased and irretrievable.
The actions coincide with several inquiries and protests from other nations, such as a South Korean investigation and directives from Spain and Portugal to stop collecting biometric data.
