- Despite its potential benefits, World Network faces criticism over its collection of sensitive biometric data, including iris scans.
- World Network defends its data-handling practices, utilizing zero-knowledge proofs to securely store biometric data locally on users’ devices.
World Network has formally invaded the Philippines, a nation famed for its robust social media penetration and increasing adaptation of artificial intelligence. On Monday, the corporation announced the future release of World ID, an instrument meant to offer secure as well as anonymous identity verification. The service that has already benefited more than 23 million people globally will begin to be utilized by Filipinos.
World Network Makes It Into Philippines
World ID provides an identity-centric approach to authenticating human users on the internet. The goal is to build a more secure online world by separating true humans from machine-based bots. During the launch, the service is being piloted in certain regions of Bulacan, with intentions to roll it out nationwide eventually.
World ID’s biometric authentication process is also anticipated to help curb increasing instances of online impersonation and misinformation in the Philippines. By verifying a user’s humanity, the platform aims to minimize the threats presented by AI-generated content and impersonation.
There have been increased concerns regarding deepfake-related scams in the nation. Between 2022 and 2023, deepfake-related fraud activities reportedly rose by over 4,500%. That the Philippines is a social media powerhouse in the world makes these risks even more important. With most of the population using social media platforms like Facebook and leveraging AI for work purposes, there is an increasing need for safer digital identity solutions.
While it has the technological capacity, World Network’s expansion into the Philippines is under scrutiny for its method of data collection. Critics have sounded the alarm over the platform’s collection of biometric data, such as iris scans, to authenticate users.
Legal & Privacy Issues Of World Network
World Network has encountered legal opposition in several countries over issues concerning data privacy and transparency. Kenya suspended the firm’s operations first in 2023, invoking breaches of its Data Protection Act. The government pointed to deficiencies in the acquiring of proper consent from users as well as inadequate clarity on storing and utilizing their biometric information.
Comparable investigations and regulatory issues have surfaced in France, Portugal, Spain, Hong Kong, Brazil, and South Korea. Privacy experts caution that harvesting and storing sensitive biometric information could result in abuse, improper surveillance, and possible data leakage.
A probe conducted by the MIT Technology Review last year accused World Network of issuing deceptive registration processes in nations such as Kenya and Indonesia. It indicated that the users would not have known entirely how their biometric data was being treated.
To that effect, World Network has stood by its word to use state-of-the-art privacy-protecting technologies like zero-knowledge proofs to have biometric data securely stored locally on users’ devices. World Network has made clear that it doesn’t hold on to nor misuse personal information.
In October 2024, the platform rebranded and launched a layer-two blockchain network, highlighting its dedication to conforming to international data protection laws. Nevertheless, there are still concerns, particularly in areas where data privacy legal frameworks are still underdeveloped.
