Worldcoin Open-Sources Orb, Unveils "Personal Custody" to Empower User Data Control

Worldcoin's open-sourcing of its Orb software, which enables online humanity verification through iris scanning, aims to enhance transparency. The core components of Orb, including the iris scanning code, are now available on GitHub under an MIT/Apache 2.0 license. This move complements the previously released hardware and aims to foster inclusion and privacy. Additionally, Worldcoin has launched the "Personal Custody" feature, allowing users to control their biometric data through a signed data package encrypted with a user-provided public key.

Worldcoin Open-Sources Orb Software, Unveils "Personal Custody" Feature

In a groundbreaking move toward transparency and privacy, the Worldcoin Foundation has open-sourced the core components of its groundbreaking iris scanning software, Orb. The release marks a significant step in the project's commitment to fostering trust and ensuring the responsible use of biometric data.

Open-Source Orb Empowers the Community

Orb, the cornerstone of Worldcoin's mission to verify human identities online, is now accessible to the public on GitHub under a dual MIT/Apache 2.0 license. This allows anyone to inspect, modify, and contribute to the platform's development, increasing transparency and empowering the community to safeguard its privacy.

The open-sourced elements include written codes for the iris scanning software, responsible for capturing images and transferring them to the World App. Worldcoin has made available Orb-core, Orb-attest, Orb-secure elements, Orb-messages, and Orb-firmware.

Enhanced Transparency and Verifiability

"This initial release of the Orb's software is an important step towards the goals of improving the transparency and verifiability of the Orb," stated the Worldcoin Foundation. By opening up the code, Worldcoin demonstrates its commitment to building a platform that users can trust.

The move aligns with the foundation's broader focus on privacy protection. The open-sourced components allow individuals to verify the platform's privacy claims and ensure that their data is handled responsibly.

Expanding Orb's Capabilities

Worldcoin's open-source approach extends beyond the initial release. The foundation plans to release additional components, including:

• Prioritizing maximal open development
• Addressing untrusted closed-source components
• Facilitating support for decentralized audits

These upcoming components aim to further enhance the security, privacy, and transparency of Orb and its potential applications, particularly in the field of machine learning on edge devices.

Introducing "Personal Custody": Empowering User Control

Complementing the open-sourcing of Orb, Worldcoin has launched "Personal Custody," a new feature that grants individuals unprecedented control over their data.

Through Personal Custody, users can create a data package signed with the Orb's private key, ensuring the integrity and provenance of their biometric data. This data is then encrypted with a user-provided public key before being transferred to their mobile phone. Only the designated user can decrypt the biometric data.

"Once the encrypted data is sent from the Orb to the individual's World App, no unencrypted copies of this data exist anywhere," Worldcoin explained. This feature empowers users to safeguard their information and control access to it, ensuring that their privacy is always protected.

Worldcoin's Commitment to Innovation and Trust

The open-sourcing of Orb and the introduction of Personal Custody demonstrate Worldcoin's commitment to responsible innovation and user privacy. By making its technology accessible to the community, Worldcoin fosters trust and collaboration, while empowering individuals to take ownership of their digital identities.

As the project evolves, Worldcoin remains steadfast in its mission to create a more inclusive and equitable digital world, where individuals have the power to control their own data and participate fully in the opportunities it presents.