Worldcoin, the digital identity platform co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is recalibrating its global strategy, with a shift in focus toward Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Latin America (LATAM) regions.
According to Fabian Bodensteiner, managing director of Worldcoin Europe, the company sees greater potential for growth in these markets, where governments are more receptive to emerging technologies.
Speaking at the Sifted Summit, Bodensteiner highlighted how countries such as Japan, Malaysia, and Argentina offer a more dynamic environment for digital identity adoption.
This shift comes as Worldcoin aims to maximize its resources and tap into markets that present the largest business opportunities. “We are a lean team, and with limited resources, we have to prioritize the regions with the greatest potential,” Bodensteiner said.
In APAC, Worldcoin is collaborating with major game developers to integrate its technology into gaming platforms, further enhancing its reach.
In Malaysia, Worldcoin is actively engaging with local businesses and governmental bodies, including partnerships with the national research centre, Mimos, and the e-government services app, MyEG Services.
These collaborations aim to expand the use of Worldcoin’s digital identity, known as World ID, as both a consumer tool and a business solution.
Despite its pivot toward non-European markets, Worldcoin continues to maintain its European operations. However, the company has faced regulatory scrutiny, with authorities in countries like Germany, Spain, and Portugal raising concerns over the handling of biometric data.
The Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA) has launched an ongoing investigation, with a regulatory decision expected later this month.
Still, Worldcoin has seen success in Europe, launching in Poland and Austria in recent months.
Bodensteiner reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with European regulators, stating, “We are not abandoning Europe; we are actively engaging with regulators to ensure compliance and long-term success.”
