Malaysia has adopted Worldcoin’s controversial iris scan technology for personal verification, marking a significant step in the nation’s digital transformation journey.
The Worldcoin Foundation, Tools for Humanity (TFH), and MyEG have signed a memorandum of understanding with MIMOS Berhad, the Malaysian government’s application research and development department.
Collaboration areas
This collaboration aims to integrate Worldcoin technology into Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, enhancing the verification of digital credentials.
The partnership involves using TFH’s iris imaging technology, developed for Worldcoin, to verify individuals’ identities — referred to as “proof of humanness.” This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve digital credential work within the country.
Other potential areas of collaboration include joint orb manufacturing, bridging the World Chain to Malaysia’s National Blockchain Infrastructure, and ensuring the open-source availability of Worldcoin’s technology.
While TFH will provide technical expertise and support for both the Orb and World App, MyEG will focus on technical integrations and hardware deployment in support of MIMOS’s initiatives.
This Malaysian launch follows Worldcoin’s recent expansions in Europe and Latin America.
Global scrutiny and skepticism
However, Worldcoin’s expansion has not been without controversy. The Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA) investigated Worldcoin over concerns about biometric data collection.
Related: Valour to launch digital asset ETPs in Kenya
Other governmental agencies worldwide, including Spain, where Worldcoin has temporarily halted operations, have expressed similar skepticism. In Hong Kong, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data concluded that Worldcoin’s operations violated the region’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, leading to a cessation of services.
Despite these challenges, Worldcoin has been actively working toward compliance with local privacy laws, attempting to gain the trust of users and regulators.
In May, the company open-sourced its biometric data system and confirmed that users could securely delete old iris codes.
Kenya’s investigation, which led to the cessation of operations in 2023, has been concluded with no further action required, according to a statement released in June.
Worldcoin’s journey has been further complicated by accusations of price manipulation and scams involving its native Worldcoin (WLD) token. Although the company has denied allegations of insider trading and manipulation, these issues continue to cast a shadow over its operations.