Worldcoin Offers Free Crypto With Eye Slice Scan In Singapore

Orb, the Worldcoin eye scanner device is present in Singapore. (Photo; Doc. TechApple)

JAKARTA - Worldcoin, a crypto project founded by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Alexander Blania, a German entrepreneur, continues to expand its reach in various countries.

After launching World ID 2.0, a global digital identity system based on eye slice scanning, Worldcoin is now offering a World ID verification service in Singapore via the Orb, a special slice scanner device created by the project.

The orbit is a metallic ball with a diameter of 30 cm equipped with a multispectral camera and LED lights. The orbit can scan someone's eye slices in seconds, and send the data to the Worldcoin network. The data is then processed using artificial intelligence (AI) and zero-knowledge proof technology, which ensures that eye slice data is not stored or shared with other parties.

Using the Orb, a person can create a World ID, a unique digital identity that can be used to access various online services that are integrated with Worldcoin, such as Reddit, Discord, Shopify, and others.

In addition, one can also receive WLDs, Worldcoin crypto tokens, for free in exchange for their participation in the Worldcoin network. The number of WLDs given to each person varies depending on the total number of people who have been verified and the total number of WLDs available.

According to the Worldcoin website, there are currently around 300,000 people who have made World ID and received WLD. The number of WLDs given to each person ranges from 0.1 to 10 WLD, with an average value of around $4 (Rp61,672) per WLD. WLD values may vary according to demand and supply in the crypto market.

To get the WLD, someone must download the World App, a crypto wallet application that supports World ID, and visit one of the Orb locations available in various countries. Currently, Worldcoin has provided more than 100 Orbs in 15 countries, including Singapore, Spain, Chile, Argentina, and Japan. In Singapore, there are five Orb locations accessible to the public, namely at Orchard Road,tip, Bugis, Little India, and Geylang.

Worldcoin claims that its goal is to create a more inclusive and democratic economic system, where everyone can have access to global financial networks regardless of their country or background. Worldcoin also plans to power its users by voting rights in decision making regarding the Worldcoin protocol.

However, Worldcoin also faces challenges and criticism from various parties, particularly related to the privacy and security of eye slice data, which is very sensitive and difficult to change biometric data if leaked or misused. Worldcoin insists that eye slice data is neither stored nor shared with anyone, and that the verification process is carried out using advanced and secure AI and zero-knowledge proof technology.

Worldcoin also says that users can choose to delete their World ID at any time, and that Worldcoin doesn't collect other data such as name, address, or phone number.

In addition, Worldcoin also faces legal and regulatory barriers in some countries, which prohibits or restricts the use of biometric data for any purpose. For example, in India, France, and Brazil, Worldcoin has stopped its services for regulatory reasons. In India, Worldcoin hopes to re-launch its services by 2024 by developing and launching a safe and regular special process that meets World ID demand in the country.