According to CoinDesk, Worldcoin is set to invite former executives from Apple, Google, Meta, Tesla, and X to strengthen its security, compliance, and human tools development.
Rich Heley, who has previously worked at Apple, Meta, and Tesla, has joined the Worldcoin team as Chief Device Officer. In his role, he will oversee the design, performance, and accessibility of the “Human Eye,” a tool controversially scanning users’ irises to verify identity.
Damien Kieran has been appointed as Chief Privacy Officer of Tools for Humanity, similar to his role at X. Kieran will collaborate with data privacy officers and regulatory bodies worldwide to “establish new industry standards for compliance and privacy protection.”
Kieran stated, “I look forward to engaging with regulators and data privacy officials in the EU and around the world, answering their questions, transparently sharing information, dispelling common misconceptions, as we continue to serve individuals to empower them with greater access to financial and identity networks.”
Adrian Ludwig, former Google Android Security Director, has taken on the role of Chief Information Security Officer at Tools for Humanity, overseeing data security.
Ajay Patel is leading World ID, guiding the project’s market strategy and enhancing user experience. As the former head of Google’s Payment Identity team, Patel also manages public and private partnerships.
Last month, Worldcoin hired Elliott Suthers, former Corporate Communications Director at Coinbase, as Communications Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Worldcoin continues to face regulatory scrutiny for its data collection methods. The “human tools” claim the need for “proof of humanity” as artificial intelligence becomes more potent. However, governments remain skeptical.
The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong (PCPD) found that Worldcoin violated the city’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO).
The PCPD expressed concern after an investigation earlier this year into the project’s data collection practices involving sensitive biometric data (including facial and iris scans). The investigation revealed that Worldcoin failed to adequately inform users about the collection of their personal data and did not obtain users’ informed consent.