Worldcoin Expands World ID Verification to Austria, Boosting European Presence

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• DISCLAIMER
• WRITER’S INTRO

CONTENT

The Worldcoin Foundation announces the launch of World ID orb verifications in Austria, marking a significant step in expanding its “proof of humanness” technology across Europe, despite ongoing regulatory challenges in some countries.

The Worldcoin Foundation has announced the expansion of its World ID verification system to Austria, launching eyeball-scanning orbs in multiple locations across Vienna. This move marks a significant step in the project’s European expansion, allowing individuals over 18 to join the growing Worldcoin network.

World ID verifications are now live in Austria 🇦🇹https://t.co/kIFOqLugBH

— Worldcoin (@worldcoin) July 31, 2024

Amazing experience in Berlin. Thanks @worldcoin 🫡🤓 pic.twitter.com/xDE6wlIqsr

— Undefined 👀🫥 (@undefined_god) July 23, 2024

Worldcoin‘s primary objective is to ensure the future health of the internet by distinguishing between human and non-human actors. The project assigns World IDs to individuals who verify their humanity through an iris scan, rewarding participants with WLD tokens. According to the Worldcoin Foundation, over 6.3 million people are already part of the network.

>> Also read: Worldcoin (WLD): “Human Verification” in Global ID Network

While Austria joins neighboring Germany in embracing Worldcoin’s technology, the project has faced regulatory challenges elsewhere in Europe. Spain recently extended its ban on Worldcoin until the end of the year, pending a GDPR audit. Similarly, Portugal ordered a temporary halt to biometric data collection in March. These actions reflect broader concerns about personal data protection among various government agencies.

Despite these hurdles, the Worldcoin Foundation reports positive user sentiment. A 2024 survey in Spain revealed that 82% of responding World ID holders believe technologies like Worldcoin are important for distinguishing between humans and bots online. In Portugal, 77% of respondents agreed that Worldcoin could positively impact their digital interactions.

To address data privacy concerns, Tools for Humanity, the primary developer of Worldcoin co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has implemented several measures. These include the introduction of “Personal Custody,” which prohibits new signups from requesting biometric data storage, and allowing existing users to request deletion of their iris codes.

Looking ahead, Worldcoin is preparing to launch its own Layer 2 network, World Chain. A developer preview was recently released, allowing developers to build, test, and provide feedback before the mainnet launch expected later this summer. The World Chain aims to be permissionless, open-source, and independently governed by its community, operating within the Superchain network of Layer 2 chains built using the OP Stack.

As Worldcoin continues to expand its presence and develop its technology, it remains to be seen how the project will navigate the complex landscape of regulatory requirements and public perception across different regions.