Shocking Statement from the Founder of Privado ID!

Yigit Taha OZTURK — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 11:30:36 +0000

Privado ID co-founder Evin McMullen stated that financial incentives for personal data violate informed consent. McMullen emphasized that individuals in emerging economies are often pressured to share their biometric data due to financial hardships.

“Paying people directly for biometric data in challenging economic circumstances is tantamount to coercion. It’s not consent.”

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Governments Oppose Biometric Data Collection

Several governments have raised concerns about the security and ethical risks of collecting biometric data, leading to bans or restrictions on such systems. Globally, digital identity systems collecting biometric data are facing increasing scrutiny.

World ID Banned in Multiple Countries

Kenya banned World ID in August 2023.
In March 2024, Spain decided to stop World ID, which was collected by minors.
In March 2024, Portugal decided to postpone iris screening for 3 months.
Hong Kong banned World ID in May 2024, citing non-essential facial scans.
In January 2025, Brazil banned the collection of biometric data in exchange for cryptocurrency.

The Brazilian National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) stated that financial incentives for data collection violated informed consent for sensitive information.

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Humanity Protocol Reaches $1.1 Billion Valuation After Fundraising

Emre Yumlu — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:30:56 +0000

Blockchain identity platform Humanity Protocol reaches $1.1 billion valuation after fundraising. With the advent of Web3, decentralized identity solutions (DIDs) are considered essential for securing users’ digital footprints.

Humanity Protocol Secures $20 Million for Web3 Identity Solutions

Decentralized identity platform Humanity Protocol has secured $20 million in venture funding to compete with rivals like World Network in the push for on-chain identity solutions.

This funding round was backed by major venture capital firms such as Pantera Capital and Jump Crypto, reaching a valuation of $1.1 billion. The funds will be used to further develop the Proof of Humanity protocol, which links users’ digital identities to their palm prints across Web3 platforms.

The funds will also support the preparation for the protocol’s yet-to-be-announced mainnet launch.

According to Humanity Protocol’s official website, the platform plans to conduct a token airdrop in collaboration with OKX Wallet.

Humanity Protocol is not the first blockchain project attempting to integrate biometric authentication with Web3 financial services. In 2023, OpenAI’s Sam Altman co-launched Worldcoin (now rebranded as World Network), which uses Orb technology to scan users’ irises and create a unique digital identity.

World Network has faced criticism recently, with Brazil’s data protection regulator barring the company from serving locals. Additionally, in December, Germany’s data protection authority issued a warning to World Network for allegedly mishandling biometric data.

Humanity Protocol Offers Less Invasive Method Than Iris Scans

Humanity Protocol founder Terence Kwok stated that the platform’s palm scans are “less invasive” compared to Worldcoin’s iris scans, without compromising security.

“Palm and fingerprint biometric verification is a method users are far more familiar with than their iris code,” Kwok said, emphasizing the importance of user experience.

Despite the controversy, biometric verification is considered a critical component in the adoption of Web3 and its integration with financial services and healthcare sectors.

Sebastian Rodriguez, Chief Product Officer at Privado ID, stated that biometric verification doesn’t have to pose a privacy threat. He also pointed out that privacy and anonymity should not be confused, as they are different concepts.

Rodriguez: “We shouldn’t confuse privacy with anonymity. Instead of aiming for anonymity, we should fight for consent. Privacy is not about anonymity, it’s about the right to consent.”

While Rodriguez praised Worldcoin’s technology, he criticized its business model.

“Worldcoin’s business model aims for monopolization,” he said, adding:

“The danger lies in the business model. There’s no issue with the technology. If they succeed and become the only way to prove your uniqueness online, then no other source of uniqueness will matter. And once you’re banned, that ban will be permanent.”