Malaysia Adopts Worldcoin for Digital Verification
15 Aug, 2024 ● Crypto News
Malaysia has implemented Worldcoin’s controversial iris-scanning technology for personal verification.
The Worldcoin Foundation, Tools for Humanity (TFH), and MyEG have entered into a memorandum of understanding with MIMOS Berhad, the Malaysian government’s research and development division.
This partnership aims to incorporate Worldcoin technology into Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, with the goal of enhancing the verification of digital credentials.
The collaboration involves the use of TFH’s iris imaging technology, developed specifically for Worldcoin, to verify individuals’ identities, a process described as “proof of humanness.”
This effort is part of a larger plan to improve digital credentialing within the country.
Other potential areas of cooperation include joint manufacturing of orbs, linking the World Chain to Malaysia’s National Blockchain Infrastructure, and ensuring that Worldcoin’s technology remains open-source.
TFH will provide technical expertise and support for both the Orb and World App, while MyEG will focus on integrating the technology and deploying hardware to support MIMOS’s initiatives.
This launch in Malaysia comes after Worldcoin’s recent expansions in Europe and Latin America. However, Worldcoin’s expansion has faced controversy.
The Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision recently investigated Worldcoin due to concerns over the collection of biometric data.
Similar skepticism has been expressed by other governmental agencies around the world, including Spain, where Worldcoin has temporarily halted operations.
In Hong Kong, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data found that Worldcoin’s operations violated the region’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, resulting in a halt to its services.
Despite these challenges, Worldcoin has been actively pursuing compliance with local privacy laws, striving to build trust with users and regulators.
In May, the company made its biometric data system open-source and confirmed that users have the option to securely delete old iris codes.
Kenya’s investigation, which led to the suspension of operations in 2023, was concluded with no further action required, according to a statement released in June.
Worldcoin’s progress has been further complicated by allegations of price manipulation and scams involving its native token.
Although the company has denied accusations of insider trading and manipulation, these issues continue to affect its reputation.
Sources:
https://cointelegraph.com/news/malaysia-worldcoin-iris-scan-digital-verification
