"World Network Launches in Philippines to Combat AI Fraud Ahead of Elections"

World Network, formerly known as Worldcoin, has officially launched in the Philippines, aiming to combat the rising tide of scams and misinformation by introducing its human identification system. The Philippines, with its high social media penetration, has become a hotbed for AI-driven fraud, with deepfake-related identity fraud cases surging by 4,500% between 2022 and 2023.

World Network's solution is World ID, a privacy-focused, decentralized identity protocol that allows users to verify their identity online without revealing sensitive details. The system uses the Orb, a verification device, to confirm users' identities. With the launch in the Philippines, World Network aims to tap into the country's young, digitally savvy population and provide robust online security measures.

The service is initially launching in certain cities in Bulacan, with plans to set up Orb verification spots across the Philippines and eventually make the technology available nationwide. World ID offers Filipinos a way to join the World Network without any cost, ensuring their data and identity remain protected and private. By participating, Filipinos become part of a large network with over 23 million participants, including over 11 million verified humans.

World Network is committed to user privacy. Its Personal Custody system ensures individuals retain control over their biometric data, which is stored securely on their devices and never shared with Worldcoin or any third party. The network also employs advanced privacy-enhancing technologies like Anonymized Multi-Party Computation and zero-knowledge proofs to complement existing data privacy efforts in the Philippines.

The launch comes at a critical time, as the Philippines prepares for crucial midterm elections in May. Concerns about bot-driven misinformation and deepfakes are at an all-time high, and Worldcoin believes its technology can play a vital role in ensuring a more transparent and secure online environment.

World Network's growth has sparked controversies related to privacy concerns and the collection of biometric data. The Kenyan government halted Worldcoin's operations in 2023 for violating the Data Protection Act. The Kenyan Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) issued a cessation notice and later canceled the entity's certificate, requiring Worldcoin to simplify consent procedures and obtain informed consent before data custody and transferring sensitive personal data out of Kenya.

World Network has also faced legal challenges in various jurisdictions, including France, Portugal, Spain, Hong Kong, Brazil