Worldcoin is over Europe.
You read that right—the digital identity project co-founded by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, is shifting its focus to Asia and other global regions.
Also Read: Worldcoin Under Fire In Singapore: What Now?
According to Fabian Bodensteiner, Managing Director of Worldcoin Europe and a founding member, Europe is no longer a priority due to its slower pace in adopting such technologies.
Speaking at the Sifted Summit, Bodensteiner emphasized that Worldcoin’s limited resources mean they must concentrate on the most promising regions.
We just see a larger dynamic in other regions of the world and because we’re not 1,000 employees we need to prioritize where we see the biggest business opportunities.”
As a result, the company is increasingly eyeing the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Latin America (LATAM) markets, particularly countries like Japan, Malaysia, and Argentina, where tech adoption rates are soaring.
In APAC, Worldcoin is already making strides by partnering with major game publishers to integrate its digital ID tech. The company’s strategy isn’t just about consumer outreach; it’s also focused on engaging local businesses.
For instance, in Malaysia, Worldcoin is teaming up with national entities like Mimos, the country’s R&D center, and MyEG Services, an e-government platform, to introduce its digital passport system known as World ID.
Although Worldcoin has pivoted its focus, Europe remains on its radar.
The company launched World ID verifications in Austria this past July and expanded to Poland in September, proving its commitment to staying active within the EU.
However, the project is under scrutiny. A German authority, the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA), began an investigation in July 2023 over concerns about the collection of biometric data, with a regulatory decision expected later this month.
Additionally, Spain and Portugal have temporarily halted Worldcoin’s operations due to similar concerns in 2024.
Despite these obstacles, Bodensteiner insists Worldcoin remains dedicated to working with European regulators to navigate privacy concerns and secure a foothold in the region.
The company’s mission is clear—while exploring new markets, it’s determined to make its innovative solutions work globally.
