On September 18, 2024, Worldcoin, a popular cryptocurrency project, launched its World ID verification services in Warsaw, Poland. In principle, this move represents a significant step in the company’s European expansion.

Incidentally, Worldcoin’s best-known feature is its iris biometrics verification technology. This sets it apart from other popular crypto projects such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), and Avalanche (AVAX). For this reason, the company has gained popularity as it addresses growing concerns about digital identity security. Furthermore, these concerns arise in the face of the rapid development and spread of artificial intelligence.

On the other hand, while some see Worldcoin’s innovations as a way of increasing security in the crypto space, others have concerns. After all, the large-scale collection of biometric data by the company raises doubts. So below we’ll look at recent controversies in Europe over these concerns, as well as the promises and challenges that the launch of a Worldcoin platform in Poland brings.

Main Features

As indicated, Worldcoin’s main device is World ID. In contrast to projects such as Metamask, World ID does not function as a digital wallet. On the contrary, it is a digital passport that uses biometric data to verify the user’s identity. This ensures that only humans have access to confidential services and information, to the exclusion of Artificial Intelligence.

According to Worldcoin, the services offered are crucial steps towards solving the problem of online identity verification. Similarly, this problem has become increasingly urgent as AI-generated content becomes difficult to distinguish from that created by humans.

Defenders and Critics

While there are defenders of Worldcoin, who argue that its verification systems are beneficial for preventing fraud and cyberattacks in the crypto world, the company also faces opposition.

For example, advocates of autonomy and privacy in the digital world argue that the collection of biometric data is potentially dangerous. After all, there is always the risk that the companies collecting the data will use it inappropriately or claim rights over it.

In fact, on March 24th of this year, concerns raised by the National Data Protection Commission in Portugal led to the suspension of Worldcoin’s biometric data collection in the country for 90 days. This event generated controversy in Europe, with many questioning whether the benefits of Worldcoin justify the risks it poses.

The Future of the Debate

The launch of Worldcoin in Poland has brought up both promises and challenges. After all, the integration of biometric data into the digital space raises important questions. Therefore, the debate between critics and supporters of Worldcoin is likely to become even more relevant in the future.

Namely, the debate addresses the need for proof of human identity, the question of ownership of biometric data, and the cultivation of privacy and autonomy in digital spaces. Indeed, it is hoped that this process will lead to the emergence of solutions that make the crypto space safer and more beneficial for everyone.