Worldcoin Introduces Iris Information Deletion Feature and Measures to Prevent Use by Minors

Unveiling Worldcoin's pivotal updates: The introduction of an iris information deletion option and a robust framework to prevent minors from registering, mark a significant leap in securing personal autonomy and bolstering trustworthiness and transparency in digital identity management.

Enhancing Trust and Transparency: Worldcoin's Two New Updates

On April 9, 2024, Worldcoin (WLD) announced the implementation of two significant updates aimed at enhancing the trustworthiness, transparency, and self-management level of World ID: the "Authentication Revocation Option" and "Minor Registration Prevention Measures."

These updates are grounded in the preliminary evaluations by data protection authorities, including the Bavarian State Data Protection Authority (BayLDA) in Germany, Worldcoin's principal regulatory body within the EU.

Developed in consultation with third-party privacy and security experts, these updates address critical concerns and elevate the personal data self-management capabilities for users.

Despite the critical opinions surrounding Worldcoin's iris authentication from privacy and security perspectives, the latest updates promise to further elevate the level of personal information self-management and prevent underage registrations.

Authentication Revocation Option

The Authentication Revocation Option allows for the permanent deletion of the iris code obtained during the issuance of a World ID. Although personal information collected at the time of ID issuance is managed through a self-management system, this new option enables the permanent deletion of the iris code.

Upon a deletion request, the individual's World ID becomes invalid, initiating a "6-month cooling-off period" to prevent fraud. After this period, the iris code is completely erased and cannot be recovered.

This feature can be executed directly from the user's device without the need for Worldcoin's biometric device, "Orb," thus further enhancing the level of personal information self-management in conjunction with the user's privacy control measures.

Minor Registration Prevention Measures

The Minor Registration Prevention measures ensure that individuals under the age of 18 cannot issue a World ID by implementing age verification by officials at iris authentication venues.

Age verification is conducted directly by third-party officials at venues worldwide equipped with the iris scanning device "Orb" required for issuing World ID. This process ensures that no information is stored, recorded, or transmitted during age verification.

Worldcoin and its officials cannot determine the identity of individuals, thereby protecting personal privacy.

In its announcement, Worldcoin emphasized, "We do not wish to know 'who you are,' but simply 'that you are a real human being,'" underscoring its commitment to continuing efforts to improve trustworthiness and transparency.