Worldcoin expands ID verification services in Europe

• Worldcoin launches ID verification orbs in Vienna as part of EU expansion.
• The company has faced regulatory challenges in some countries like Hong Kong, Spain, and Portugal over data privacy concerns.
• Recently, Worldcoin secured $115M in funding and introduced privacy measures to safeguard users.

Worldcoin, the innovative digital currency project spearheaded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, has introduced its ID verification technology in Austria, marking a significant step in its European expansion.

The Worldcoin Foundation launched its World ID “orb” verifications at several locations in Vienna, allowing individuals aged 18 and older to authenticate their identity through iris scans.

This new development follows the project’s successful implementation of ID verification services in Germany, reflecting a broader global growth strategy.

Worldcoin has faced challenges in its global expansion quest

Worldcoin’s unique approach to digital identity, known as “proof of personhood,” involves using the “orb” device to scan participants’ irises, generating a distinct biometric identifier to ensure each user is a unique human being.

In exchange for this verification, participants receive a small amount of Worldcoin’s native token, WLD, aimed at equitable token distribution.

However, despite its expansion efforts, Worldcoin has encountered regulatory hurdles in various regions, particularly in Europe.

In May, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) in Hong Kong ruled that Worldcoin breached the city’s personal data rules, and posed privacy risks to because of how the project handles biometric data.

Spain also recently extended its ban on Worldcoin until a GDPR audit is completed, while Portugal temporarily halted Worldcoin’s biometric data collection earlier this year.

These actions highlight ongoing concerns about personal data protection and privacy.

Worldcoin’s measures to address privacy concerns

In response to such challenges, Worldcoin has implemented several measures to address privacy concerns.

The “Personal Ownership” initiative, launched in March, prohibits the storage and encryption of biometric data for new participants and allows existing users to request the deletion of their iris scan codes.

Additionally, Worldcoin released a developer preview of its Layer 2 network, World Chain, which will be secured by Ethereum and is intended to support further technological advancements. It also

Amid all the recent developments, the Worldcoin Foundation’s recent funding round, securing $115 million led by Blockchain Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital Crypto, and Distributed Global, underscores continued investor confidence amid regulatory pressures and privacy debates.