World Network has made its formal debut in the Philippines, a nation well-known for its extensive use of social media and AI adoption.
In a Feb. 17 announcement, Worldcoin (WLD) revealed that Filipinos will soon be able to access World ID, a service that has already been adopted by more than 23 million people globally. World ID is designed to offer users a safe and anonymous way to verify their online identity, ensuring a secure digital experience.
After initially being made available in a few places in Bulacan, World ID will soon be introduced nationwide. It is anticipated that World ID Orb verifications will help Filipinos combat the rising danger of online fraud, deepfakes, and misleading information. The platform promises to help users differentiate themselves from AI-driven bots by proving their humanity through a biometric scan.
This is especially important in the Philippines, where fraud connected to deepfakes increased 4,500% between 2022 and 2023. The Philippines is also a perfect market for World Network because of its robust social media presence, which ranks 1 globally. Given that almost all internet users use Facebook and that many Filipinos are already using AI in their jobs, World ID aims to provide a safer solution for safeguarding digital identities.
Despite its potential, World Network’s growth has sparked controversies due to privacy concerns and the collection of of biometric data. The Kenyan government was the first to halt operations in 2023 for violating the Data Protection Act, citing issues with informed consent and transparent data usage. World Network has also faced legal challenges in France, Portugal, Spain, Hong Kong, Brazil, and South Korea.
Worldcoin’s controversial practices, such as its deceptive registration processes in countries like Kenya and Indonesia, were covered by the MIT Technology Review. It argued that iris scans and other sensitive biometric data collecting could lead to misuse, data breaches, and spying.
World Network has defended itself by claiming that it can ensure that biometric data is securely stored on users’ devices by using privacy technologies like zero-knowledge proofs. The platform went through a rebrand in Oct. 2024, launching a new layer 2 network and promising to prioritize compliance with data protection laws. However, concerns remain over potential risks, especially in regions with weak data protection regulations.
