Worldcoin, a project led by Sam Altman, has temporarily ceased its orb services in India, Brazil, and France, reacting to recent regulatory shifts. According to Moneycontrol, this decision, particularly affecting the project’s retinal scanning verification process, was implemented quietly, with services in India reportedly being suspended around 3-4 months ago. This move comes as a response to the evolving regulatory landscape affecting biometric verification technologies.

Worldcoin’s Orb Verification Services Face Setback Amid High Demand

Moneycontrol recently reported that Worldcoin’s decision to suspend its orb-based retinal scanning procedure, initially introduced as a limited access feature in certain countries, was quietly enacted, with the halt in India occurring around 3 to 4 months ago.

A knowledgeable source indicated that the suspension might be linked to long queues and operational challenges experienced during the verification process. They elaborated that Worldcoin’s verification services in India were scaled back temporarily as the company seeks to establish a more efficient, safe, and orderly registration process in the country. This move aims to better accommodate the substantial demand. The source highlighted that the orbs deployed were unable to manage the unexpectedly high surge in user interest.

Worldcoin Reinforces Commitment to Regulatory Compliance and User Experience

Lily Gordon, a spokesperson for Tools of Humanity, recently spoke about Worldcoin’s latest developments, underscoring the company’s dedication to working with international partners to adhere to regulatory standards. 

Gordon emphasized their commitment to providing a secure, safe, and transparent experience for users who undergo the verification process.

At the heart of Worldcoin’s initiative is the World ID protocol, which utilizes zero-knowledge proofs. This technology allows individuals to authenticate their identity using biometric data or a phone number, enhancing user privacy and security. In a significant advancement, Worldcoin recently launched World ID 2.0. 

This updated version boasts integration capabilities with various platforms, including Telegram, Reddit, Shopify, and Minecraft. This upgrade introduces a passwordless login feature, streamlining user access across these platforms.

Worldcoin Navigates Regulatory Hurdles Amid Global Expansion Efforts

Worldcoin’s operations, spearheaded by Tools for Humanity, have attracted scrutiny from regulatory authorities worldwide, primarily due to concerns about the privacy of user data collected through its verification processes. In July, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) initiated an investigation into Worldcoin’s user verification methods. 

This focus on regulatory compliance wasn’t confined to the UK, as countries like Argentina and France also raised questions about Worldcoin’s practices. Moreover, in Kenya, a parliamentary committee recommended the cessation of Worldcoin’s operations following their investigation.

Despite these challenges, the Tools for Humanity team remains steadfast in their mission to champion decentralization, envisioning Worldcoin as a resource “owned and governed by all of humanity.” 

The global interest in Worldcoin and its innovative technologies, such as World ID, has continued to grow rapidly. In 2023, the adoption of World ID saw remarkable growth, with the number of verifications skyrocketing from less than a million in January to over 2.5 million by the end of November, reflecting the expanding global footprint and appeal of the Worldcoin project.