The Worldcoin Foundation has made a significant announcement, stating that it has released certain components of its iris-scanning Orbs software as open-source. In a blog post, the foundation revealed that the core elements of the Orb software can now be accessed on GitHub under a dual license of MIT/Apache 2.0. These newly open-sourced components complement the hardware that was previously made available.
The release includes the code necessary for capturing images on the Orb and securely transferring them to the app associated with the product. By making its software and iris recognition repositories publicly available, Worldcoin aims to enhance transparency in the image processing capabilities of the Orb, while also providing verifiable privacy claims.
In addition to opening up more of the software for the renowned metallic eye-scanning Orb, Worldcoin introduced a new privacy feature called “Personal Custody.” This feature empowers individual users to take control of their data, which they have shared with Worldcoin. The data is packaged, signed with the Orb’s private key, and then encrypted with a user-provided public key before being transferred to the user’s mobile phone. Only the individual can decrypt this biometric data, ensuring that they always remain in control.
This new feature has the potential to reduce the number of times users need to return to an Orb for verification of their World ID. Worldcoin asserts that it is committed to maintaining user privacy and data security.
Interestingly, this announcement comes at a time when Worldcoin is facing regulatory scrutiny over privacy concerns. The Kenyan government recently denied a request from the United States government to lift its suspensions of the Worldcoin project, stating that it will ban Worldcoin activities until it can ensure the safety and integrity of financial details for the Kenyan people.
Furthermore, the Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data has demanded that Worldcoin cease collecting and processing data locally, and has imposed a temporary ban on its operations. These challenges highlight the importance of addressing privacy concerns and complying with data collection and transfer regulations.
Worldcoin was co-founded by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the organization behind the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT. OpenAI is currently also facing scrutiny for its decision not to release its code for AI models.
In a volatile market, protecting one’s cryptocurrency is of utmost importance, and Bitcoin OGs and experts have shared their insights on how to do so.