Worldcoin has paused its offline Orb verification services in India, a move prompted by an inability to meet surging demand. Launched in July by Sam Altman, Worldcoin established 18 offline Orb verification locations in India, recognizing the country as a significant market. However, the service became overwhelmed, leading to its suspension. Crowds flocked to these locations in public areas, such as shopping malls, leading to long queues and administrative challenges. The founder of Bitinning, Kashif Raza, noted the high interest in Worldcoin in India, citing instances of unmanageable crowds at these locations.
The number of Worldcoin's Indian locations began to decrease from August, sparking speculation about possible regulatory action by Indian authorities. Crypto influencer Aditya Singh expressed concerns about this reduction, questioning whether it indicated regulatory intervention. Ultimately, Worldcoin completely halted its offline Orb verification services in India. The company stated that the suspension was temporary and part of an effort to develop a bespoke, safe, and orderly registration process to cope with the massive demand in the country.
Worldcoin's challenges are not limited to India. The project has faced scrutiny in several countries. In July 2023, the French privacy watchdog questioned the legality of Worldcoin’s iris data collection methods. Similarly, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office announced further inquiries into the project. In Kenya, police reportedly raided a Worldcoin warehouse in Nairobi, seizing machines after the Kenyan government suspended Worldcoin’s operations in August
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the referenced research articles. It is essential to conduct further research and analysis before making any investment decisions. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investors should exercise caution and consult with financial professionals before engaging in cryptocurrency trading or investment activities.
