Thousands in Bulacan are lining up to exchange their iris scans for a Worldcoin airdrop. But is your biometric data really worth just ₱2,500 to ₱5,000?
With increasing number of circulating posts of an ongoing iris scanning activity in Bulacan in exchange for Worldcoins (WLD) airdrop, discussions on the BitPinas Facebook page posts (1, 2, 3) reflects some mix of skepticism, privacy concerns, and theories, alongside debates on the ethical issues surrounding biometric (specifically iris) data collection.
All of the comments featured below are gathered from community discussions on Facebook.
The Context: Worldcoin in Bulacan
In Bulakan, Bulacan, residents have lined up to participate in Worldcoin’s iris scan verification.
- Residents are scanning their irises to claim WLD tokens—initially worth ₱5,400 but subject to market fluctuations—as part of an airdrop campaign, with extra rewards for referrals.
- Despite the growing buzz, Web3 Bulacan issued a statement distancing itself from the event, urging residents to direct their concerns to the organizing team or the local government unit (LGU).
- At the time this article was published, the iris scanning activity had moved to Plaridel, Bulacan.
What is Worldcoin: Founded by Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), Worldcoin is a cryptocurrency project that aims to preserve human identity in the AI era by offering a universal digital identity system (World ID).
- The company is distributing WLD tokens globally as part of its initiative.
- However, its biometric data collection practices have been heavily criticized, with concerns about privacy risks and potential misuse.
- Worldcoin claims to use advanced encryption and a decentralized system to protect user data.
Read the full report here: Local Group Denies Ties as Thousands Line Up to Worldcoin Iris Scans, Airdrop in Bulacan
Privacy and Data Security Worries
Many users expressed suspicion about data privacy, potential identity theft, and misuse of biometric data by private entities. Some highlight the lack of transparency regarding where the iris scans will be used.
There are comments suspecting that the campaign’s real purpose is to gain access to private information, several users expressed concerns about potential misuse of personal information.
Some argue that it may lead to regret in the future, while others point out that similar data collection already occurs through services like National ID and GCash.
Critics also highlighted Worldcoin’s controversial status in other countries, raising concerns about privacy and AI usage.
Debates on whether the participants understand what crypto is before having their iris scanned
Discussions between community members also sparked debates, one user advises others to understand the project fully before reacting, highlighting the importance of knowing how World ID works.
In contrast, another user raises concerns about the security risks associated with biometric data, emphasizing that biometrics are unique to each individual.
Moreover, a commenter noted that the Worldcoin website does not list the Philippines or Bulacan as locations with Orb verification devices, which BitPinas also mentioned in its article.
Despite the skepticism and criticism, some defend World App, arguing that its goal is to educate Filipinos on cryptocurrency and web3, helping the country catch up with others by increasing crypto awareness in areas with little prior knowledge.
Ethical and socioeconomic perspectives
In addition, one commenter expressed disappointment at people’s willingness to do anything for money.
Still, another defends those who participated in the iris-scanning project, emphasizing that people are motivated by the need to earn money and provide for their families, and urges others to avoid making negative comments.
Bottomline: Those considering to participate in Worldcoin’s iris scan program, proceed with caution, verify official sources, and weigh privacy risks before making a decision.
Worth Reading: Learn more about Worldcoin, the eyeball-scanning crypto project, here.
This article is published on BitPinas: Would You Trade Your Iris For ₱5K? Worldcoin Airdrop in Bulacan Sparks Debate
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