Worldcoin Open-Sources Iris-Scanning Software Amid Global Privacy Concerns
Summary:
The Worldcoin Foundation has open-sourced certain software elements of its iris-scanning Orbs, aiming to increase transparency and privacy. The software is now accessible on GitHub under an MIT/Apache 2.0 dual license. In addition, a new "Personal Custody" privacy feature is introduced, allowing users to control their personal data. This move comes amidst global scrutiny over Worldcoin's privacy practices, with both the Kenyan and Spanish governments voicing concerns and taking regulatory actions.
The Worldcoin Foundation has made the decision to open-source aspects of its software associated with its iris-scanning Orbs, according to a recently published blog post. The crucial software components of the Orb can now be publicly accessed on GitHub, under the provision of an MIT/Apache 2.0 dual license. Alongside hardware previously revealed, these open-source elements are pertinent in capturing secure images and transferring them to the product's app. Committed to making strides towards increased transparency for the Orb's image processes and verifiable privacy assertions, the foundation stands behind its software and iris recognition repositories.
Moreover, Worldcoin has unveiled an additional privacy element, the "Personal Custody" feature, which allows users to maintain possession and control of their personally supplied data. This feature means that data, once encrypted with the Orb's private key and a user-provided public key, is transmitted to the user's cell phone. The encrypted biometric data can then solely be decrypted by the individual, ensuring the privacy of the user's data throughout the process. The creators opine that the benefit of this is that users are less reliant on returning to the Orb for World ID verification.
This update from Worldcoin surfaces amidst concerns from global regulatory bodies about the privacy practices in place, leading to increased scrutiny. Following a denial from the Kenyan government to lift suspensions of the Worldcoin project at the behest of the United States government, potential bans on Worldcoin's activities within the country are being considered until they can verify the product's safety and financial integrity. Despite negative feedback, Worldcoin maintains that all its operations are fully legal and compliant with all data collection and transfer laws in the locations where it operates.
Additionally, Worldcoin faced backlash earlier this month when the Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data demanded the immediate cessation of local data collection and processing, issuing a temporary ban on operations. The co-founder of Worldcoin, Sam Altman, concurrently heads OpenAI, the company that created the AI-based chatbot, ChatGPT. OpenAI is presently under scrutiny for choosing not to open-source its AI models' code.
Published At
3/22/2024 5:10:34 PM
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