Worldcoin (WLD) has provoked queues for eye scans around the world
Date: 2023-07-27 Author: Karina Ziganova Categories: BLOCKCHAIN, IN WORLD
People around the world are lining up for retinal scans to receive free cryptocurrency from the Worldcoin (WLD) project, reporters told Reuters
The greatest excitement is noted in the UK, Japan and India. In Tokyo, there is already a long queue for an iris scan to get 25 WLD each.
In an interview with reporters, users said they weighed concerns about data collection and their curiosity about the project. As a result, the number of people joining the project reached 2 million in 120 countries.
Users don't worry about data security
However, the Worldcoin participants interviewed by the agency admitted that, despite the security risks, they are interested in participating in the project.
"There is a risk when a company collects data from your own eyes, but I like to keep an eye on the most recent crypto projects. I was a little scared, but I did it now and I can't go back in time," said 33-year-old Saeki Sasaki.
Another test participant, 34-year-old graphic designer Christian, explained that he was involved in the project because he was "intrigued." He follows developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies, buying digital assets "just for fun." Ali, a 22-year-old chemistry student who has invested part of his student loan in cryptocurrency, said he estimates that 25 WLD tokens could be sold for between $70 and $80 at current prices.
However, both Christian and Ali said they had not read Worldcoin's privacy policy. The documentation states that the data can be shared with subcontractors and possibly be made available to governments and authorities. At the same time, the documents say that steps are now being taken to reduce risks and encryption is being used to prevent unauthorized access.
Another user, Sujit, an 18-year-old commercial student, stated that he had not read the fine print of Worldcoin and was not concerned about privacy. He invests the pocket money he receives from his family in cryptocurrency, despite the fact that what is happening is "quite disturbing."
The "nightmare" of privacy
The U.S. Electronic Privacy Information Center considers the event a "potential privacy nightmare." The same opinion is shared by the British group of companies Big Brother Watch:
"Digital identity systems strengthen government and corporate control over people's lives and rarely justify the exceptional benefits that technocrats attribute to them," said Senior Advocacy Officer Madeleine Stone.
