Malaysian Government adopts Worldcoin for proof of humanity digital identification Malaysian Government adopts Worldcoin for proof of humanity digital identification
Worldcoin's biometric ID system aims to tackle AI-related identity challenges in Malaysia through blockchain-based iris scans.
2 min read
Updated: Aug. 16, 2024 at 2:25 pm UTC
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
MIMOS Berhad, the research and development division of the Malaysian Government, has formalized a partnership with the Worldcoin Foundation, Tools for Humanity (TFH), and MyEG. The collaboration aims to integrate Worldcoin’s technology into Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, focusing on enhancing digital credentials and validating digital proof of humanness in the era of artificial intelligence.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines several key initiatives, including deploying Worldcoin’s iris imaging technology in Malaysia. This technology, developed by TFH, allows for individual humanness verifications, which are crucial as AI technology advances and the distinction between humans and machines becomes increasingly blurred. The collaboration also explores joint orb manufacturing and the potential integration of Worldcoin’s blockchain with Malaysia’s National Blockchain Infrastructure.
Worldcoin’s approach to digital identity involves using biometric data, specifically iris scans, to create a unique identifier for each individual. This identifier, known as World ID, is stored on a decentralized blockchain, ensuring privacy and security. The system does not store biometric data directly but uses an IrisHash, a set of numbers generated from the scan, which cannot be traced back to the individual. This initiative aims to provide a scalable solution for distinguishing humans from AI, which is becoming a pressing issue globally.
The Worldcoin Foundation is committed to ensuring its technology remains open source and freely available, while TFH will offer technical expertise and support for the Orb and World App. MyEG will focus on technical integrations and hardware deployment to support MIMOS’s initiatives.
Challenging times for Worldcoin in 2024
Worldcoin has been navigating a complex regulatory landscape while achieving significant milestones in 2024. The project has faced regulatory challenges in various regions, including an extended ban in Spain until the end of the year, pending a decision from the Bavarian Data Protection Authority. Despite these hurdles, Worldcoin has made strides in enhancing its data privacy measures, earning praise from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin for its commitment to reducing data requirements and improving system security. The Worldcoin Foundation has also made its ORB software open-source, a move aimed at increasing transparency in its biometric data collection processes.
In parallel, Worldcoin’s native wallet, the World App, has reached a user base of 10 million within a year of its launch, underscoring its growing global adoption. The app facilitates self-custodial wallet services and supports transactions across more than 160 countries. Furthermore, Worldcoin’s expansion into Ecuador and the closure of a probe in Kenya have bolstered its operations, contributing to a 12% surge in the WLD token’s value. These developments highlight Worldcoin’s resilience and adaptability in the face of regulatory scrutiny as it continues to pursue its mission of building a global identity and financial network.
Overall, this collaboration between MIMOS, Worldcoin, TFH, and MyEG marks a significant step towards establishing a robust digital identity framework in Malaysia, leveraging advanced biometric technology to enhance security and privacy.
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Author 
Liam 'Akiba' Wright
Also known as "Akiba," Liam Wright is a reporter, podcast producer, and Editor-in-Chief at CryptoSlate. He believes that decentralized technology has the potential to make widespread positive change.
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Worldcoin’s mission is to build the world’s largest identity and financial network to serve as a public utility, giving ownership to everyone.
Worldcoin
Worldcoin, co-founded by Alex Blania and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, seeks to provide its users with a verified digital identity, as well as a cryptocurrency token (WLD) and a crypto wallet software.