WorldCoin has recently reduced the offline verification capabilities of its Orb device in India, planning to restart the service in 2024 after an initial testing phase.
The Orb, a 5-pound, colorful helmet-like device, is designed to scan the eyes of individuals for identity verification. This technology is particularly aimed at regions where conventional forms of identification are scarce. WorldCoin has been incentivizing the use of the Orb by providing USDC rewards to local operators of the device. However, since November, Worldcoin has shifted to disbursing these rewards in its own cryptocurrency, WLD.
According to a Moneycontrol report dated December 21, WorldCoin discreetly ceased the Orb's verification operations in India a few months ago, around three to four months prior, despite attracting significant crowds at some Orb locations in the country. Tools for Humanity, the foundation managing Worldcoin, clarified that the Orb project was always intended as a "limited access" initiative in countries like India, France, and Brazil.
The World ID project, involving the Orb, has been dialed back for the time being as the team focuses on crafting a tailored, secure, and orderly process that aligns with India's specific requirements. The project's method of gathering personal data, such as iris scans, has sparked considerable public debate and criticism. Many have labeled Sam Altman's initiative, the founder of OpenAI, as ethically dubious and likened it to a "dystopian nightmare."
Regulatory bodies have expressed their concerns as well. In 2022, German financial authorities initiated an investigation into WorldCoin, and shortly after its launch, the UK data regulator considered a similar probe. Kenya has entirely prohibited WorldCoin's operations within its jurisdiction.
Moreover, in August, the security firm CertiK uncovered a flaw in the Orb's operator vetting system, potentially allowing an attacker to sidestep the verification process and operate the Orb without a proper interview or identification.
