Recently, Worldcoin's free coin distribution through iris recognition has become a hot topic in South Korea. However, there is a heated debate about the value and safety of the coins obtained in exchange for providing iris, a sensitive biometric information of an individual. Let's take a look at whether it is safe or not, and if there are any problems.

Worldcoin: What is it and how does it work?

Worldcoin is a cryptocurrency created by OpenAI, founded by Sam Altman, that uses iris recognition as a means of identification to distinguish between artificial intelligence (AI) and humans online.

You can create a World ID and receive Worldcoin through iris recognition, and you can receive 3 Worldcoins every 2 weeks for a total of 76 Worldcoins over a year.

Currently, 10 cafes and restaurants in South Korea have iris authentication devices installed, and it is currently worth 800,000 won due to its recent price surge.

Worldcoin Issues

1. Controversy over the sale of personal information

Iris is unique information that cannot be modified, and buying and selling it is illegal under the Personal Information Protection Act. Worldcoin is being criticized for the sale of personal information, as it provides coins in exchange for iris information.

2. Opaque information use and processing

There is a lack of clear explanation about where and how iris information is used. Under the Personal Information Protection Act in South Korea, the purpose, period, and method of collecting personal information, as well as the possibility of transferring it overseas, must be notified in advance, but Worldcoin does not provide adequate explanations.

3. Risk of information transfer to overseas servers

Worldcoin plans to store the collected iris information on overseas servers. This can lead to the possibility of information leakage and misuse, and it may be difficult to be protected by domestic laws.

4. Overseas bans and investigations

In the United States, issuing and trading Worldcoin is not possible, and investigations are ongoing in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, to determine its legality.

5. Unclear purpose and use of information

Worldcoin does not clearly state the purpose and use of the collected personal information. Clear terms and conditions regarding personal information protection, such as regular provision of information use status and setting of destruction deadlines, have not been presented.

Warnings from Experts

Professor Kim Myung-joo, Department of Information Security, Seoul Women's University: Iris is unique personal information, and buying and selling it is illegal.

Choi Jin-hong, YK Attorney: Using it for purposes other than those previously notified is illegal, and an explanation of overseas server transfer is necessary.

Professor Hwang Seok-jin, Graduate School of International Information Security, Dongguk University: The purpose of using information should be clearly stated, and collection and destruction deadlines should be set.

In conclusion, Worldcoin iris authentication has several problems in terms of personal information protection, and it should be approached cautiously. It is important to think about the importance of personal information, rather than just accepting it because it's free.