NAVIGATING THE AI FRONTIER: World ID technology

World ID offers a revolutionary aproach to verifying humanness without compromissing personal data

Users can quickly sign up for a verified World Id at an orb and use it to authenticate actions, like signing into websites, without sharing personal information.

World ID offers a revolutionary aproach to verifying humanness without compromissing personal data

AS artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly adept at replicating human behaviour online, blurring the line between genuine and automated interactions.

In the wrong hands, AI can be a potent tool for spreading misinformation, phishing scams, fraud, and data breaches – a growing concern as the world moves further into the digital realm.

Recognising these risks, tech visionaries Sam Altman of OpenAI and Alex Bania of Tools for Humanity saw the need for a privacy-focused human verification and financial network, leading to the creation of World - previously known as WorldCoin.

“Altman believes humanity needs a ‘human gate,’ where certain online activities or products are restricted to verified individuals,” explains World’s Europe managing director Fabian Bodensteiner.

But that begs the question: How can they prove that someone is human?

The answer? World ID – a digital protocol developed by World that confirms a person’s humanity or proof of humanness without sharing personal information.

A digital proof of humanness

When a person verifies their World ID via an Orb, the device takes pictures of their iris and face.

These pictures are used to make a unique iris code, a series of 1s and 0s. No two iris codes are the same, and they do they reveal direct identifiers such as name, gender, age, etc.

The code is then split into different pieces and permanently encrypted using Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC), which anonymises data by dividing it into multiple abstracted values (SMPC shares) and storing them in separate locations managed by different parties.

Each party only has access to the SMPC share under their control.

Bodensteiner likens World ID to a digital passport stored on a user’s mobile device via the World App, which supports World ID.

“We didn’t want to follow the standard Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which often requires users to share personal details like names and addresses,” Bodensteiner notes, highlighting their goal to help businesses reduce data collection for privacy purposes.

“Think of it like this – just as you have a national ID or driver’s licence, World ID offers an additional anonymous credential: a digital proof of humanness” he says.

The proof of humanness verification naturally limits the creation of multiple fake accounts, curbing large-scale bot attacks and ensuring content is from genuine individuals – an essential step in reducing AI-generated disinformation.

Flexible across sectors

To date, more than six million people have verified their World ID, reflecting the growing adoption of this revolutionary technology worldwide.

In Malaysia, World sees tremendous potential for expansion, driven by the country’s openness to new technologies and its diverse economy, which positions it as a strategic gateway to further extend into Asia.

“Malaysia’s openness to new technologies and its diverse economy make it a strategic gateway for further expansion into Asia,” says Bodensteiner.

Bodensteiner says the proof of humanness protocol enhances online security and accountability in the age of AI.

He adds that all World technologies, including hardware, are open-source, enabling innovation and collaboration across various sectors.

The World ID technology allows for seamless authentication across web and mobile platforms.

Its applications extend across multiple sectors, such as gaming, social networking, and marketing, where personhood verification is crucial to reducing fake accounts and ensuring genuine human interaction.

“For instance, video gaming platforms can benefit from personhood verification by allowing individuals to unlock exclusive deals, enhancing the gaming experience while keeping the ecosystem free from bot-driven accounts,” Bodensteiner explains.

Local social networks and e-commerce platforms can also leverage World ID to enhance safety and prevent fraudulent activities, such as repeated voucher redemptions, ensuring a more secure and beneficial environment for legitimate users.

Recently, Worldcoin rebranded itself as World, signaling a broader mission to build a comprehensive identity and financial network that empowers every individual in the digital economy.

The shift reflects the project’s focus on creating a global network centered on anonymous proof-of-humanness technology and inclusive financial tools.

This new identity aims to drive the mission forward with a more unified and holistic approach.

World was born from a need to address these challenges and build a system that ensures equal access to the digital economy for all, regardless of financial circumstances or location – especially as AI continues to advance.

World ID remains the bedrock of this mission, empowering people to take charge of their privacy online, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.

Currently, the Orbs are situated in a few locations across the country, with plans to expand to more sites over time. Individuals who have downloaded the World App can now schedule an appointment to have their World ID verified.

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Keeping the virus at bay; Beware the influenza bug, Get the flu vax to stay active again, Protect your workforce during flu season, businesses urged

 

Stay safe and alert: People wearing face masks to protect themselves in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

Keeping the virus at bay

The monsoon season may bring an increase in influenza cases, even in tropical Malaysia. Get vaccinated to avoid contracting the highly contagious virus, say health experts. Business operators, meanwhile, want a safe workplace and to allow flexible options for their staff.

GEORGE TOWN: While the influenza virus tends to thrive during the colder months in countries with four seasons, tropical nations like Malaysia could still face a potential outbreak, says a virologist with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

“Increased rainfall towards the end of the year, particularly in several states across Malaysia recently, often correlates with a rise in influenza cases,” said Dr Kumitaa Theva Das.

With the influenza virus constantly evolving, she noted that medical experts have recommended annual vaccinations to protect against the latest virus strains.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends people take the flu jab once every year, in February for those living in the Northern Hemisphere and in September for people in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dr Kumitaa said a common misconception is that influenza, often referred to as the “flu”, is no different from the common cold.

“In reality, influenza is a far more severe respiratory infection that can be life-threatening, especially for the high-risk groups.

“While cold symptoms are usually mild, influenza presents with more intense symptoms, including fever, severe muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

“In some serious cases, individuals may even experience chest pain, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness,” said Dr Kumitaa.

The Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (Informm) senior lecturer added that some people are particularly susceptible to contracting influenza.

Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and those with weakened immune systems are all considered to be in the high-risk group, she noted.

“Because their immune systems are either still developing or less resilient, these individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from the virus,” she explained.

She also said that influenza is highly contagious, especially during the initial stages when the symptoms begin to show.

An infected person can spread the virus through droplets released when they cough or sneeze, making close-contact environments such as schools and public transportation a prime setting for transmission, she added.

Public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said influenza could cause pneumonia, adding that pneumonia is one of the leading causes of deaths in the country, especially among women and the elderly.

“Hence vaccinations against influenza are very important, especially among the high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, disabled, homeless and immune-compromised people like diabetics and cancer patients.

“It could be dangerous for those in the high-risk categories because it could lead to lung complications,” she said.

Dr Sharifa Ezat also urged the government to increase allocations for flu vaccinations, given that they may be costly for the low-income groups.

USM family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said certain groups of people, including health workers and infants younger than six months, are at greater risk of developing severe symptoms and complications.

She, too, reminded the public that vaccination is one of the most effective measures against influenza.

There are other simple practices that can help reduce the risk of infection.

“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the chance of infection.

“Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as the virus can enter the body through these areas.

“Wear a mask in crowded places or if you are experiencing symptoms. Try to limit contact with individuals who are symptomatic to minimise exposure,” advised Dr Mastura.

Beware the influenza bug

GEORGE TOWN: Achoo! It’s the flu season, and the virus is making its rounds looking for new carriers during this monsoon season.With cases of influenza A or B on the rise, experts are warning of an outbreak as the virus is highly contagious and prone to spreading during the cold climate.

The common symptoms are high fever, body aches, cough or flu, and nobody is safe from the virus unless one is vaccinated.

ALSO READ: Get the flu vax to stay active again

Civil servant K. Charles, 38, was out for lunch when he suddenly felt extremely tired and had shortness of breath.“The feeling was like I got hit by a truck and could not continue riding my bike,” he said.

Charles stopped by the roadside to call his father, who then rushed over and sent him to the hospital.

“I was in bed for five days with a high fever and body aches.

“My test result came back positive for influenza A, which the doctors say is highly infectious and more severe than influenza B.“I was given antiviral drugs for the next few days. I lost my appetite and the doctor put me on intravenous (IV) drips.”

Charles said that after he recovered, he promptly went to take a flu jab.

ALSO READ: Protect your workforce during flu season, businesses urged

Jessie Lim, a clerk, 43, said she accompanied her son Jason Lee, 23, to a private clinic after he complained about feeling feverish and having body aches.

“At first, I thought he was merely having a fever, but to my surprise, his test showed that he had contracted influenza A.

“He was prescribed antibiotics and paracetamols and told to rest and take more fluids,” she said.

As the disease is highly contagious, Lim said everyone in her family wore masks to contain the spread of the virus and kept her son isolated.

Her anxiety did not end there, as Lim’s 76-year-old mother, who lives with them, also came down with fever, flu and cough.

“I was so worried, thinking that the virus had spread among our family members.

“Luckily, my mother later tested negative for influenza A or B. Both of them recovered after a few days.

“A week later, I took both my son and my mum to a clinic to get the flu vaccines for a whole year’s protection,” she said, adding that she herself had gotten vaccinated against the flu earlier.

Imran Hilmy, who works in the media, was not ready to put his eight-year-old daughter’s life on the line again after she recovered from Covid-19.

“When Maryam and her mother contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic, it was really painful for me to see both of them suffer through it.

“With the influenza season raging now, I did not think twice about getting my daughter vaccinated.

“She needs a boost to her immune system, especially during these colder months when both the flu virus and other respiratory illnesses tend to rise,” he said.

General practitoner Dr BS Goh said people of any age can catch the influenza virus.

The viruses that circulate widely in humans are the influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, along with influenza B, he said.

“Annual vaccination is recommended as this is the primary and most effective way to prevent influenza and influenza-related complications.”

Dr Goh also advised holidaymakers planning to travel to places with colder climates to get the flu jabs before leaving to avoid falling sick later.

Penang health committee chairman Danial Gooi said staying vaccinated will not only protect individuals but also help safeguard the vulnerable folk within the community.

“Parents, too, should be attentive and refrain from sending their children to daycare centres, kindergartens or schools if they are ill,” he added.

Gooi revealed that the cumulative number of influenza clusters in Penang rose to 27 by epidemic week (EW) 41 this year, up from 21 during the same period last year.However, he said the consultation rate for influenza-like illness (ILI) in EW 41 this year had seen a slight decrease from 8.4% in 2023 to 5.4% this year.

“Although the number of cases per influenza outbreak has shown a significant decline with no serious cases detected in any of the outbreaks, the public still needs to be vigilant about their health and seek immediate treatment if they feel unwell,” he said.

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Get the flu vax to stay active again

Protect your workforce during flu season, businesses urged

Ai revolution in property industry

 

The AI market is projected to be worth RM1.77 trillion by 2027 AI’S ability to predict market trends will transform property valuations

The real estate industry, traditionally known for its complexity and high-stakes decision-making, is undergoing a radical transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) takes centre stage. With continued investment in AI, the sector is set to become even more efficient and responsive, redefining client relationships and setting new standards of excellence across the industry.

The real estate industry, traditionally known for its complexity and high-stakes decision-making, is undergoing a radical transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) takes centre stage. From property search and recommendations to valuation, management and maintenance, AI is revolutionising how professionals and clients interact with the real estate market.

The projected growth of the AI market, expected to reach Us$407bil by 2027, speaks to the increasing role AI is set to play across real estate functions, marking a pivotal shift in the industry.

In this new age, leading real estate firms like Jones Lang Lasalle Incorporated (JLL) are harnessing AI’S vast capabilities to streamline processes and make real estate more accessible, transparent and data-driven.

With the introduction of JLL’S groundbreaking AI platform, JLL Falcon’s Ai-powered solutions, it is clear that AI is reshaping real estate and elevating industry standards across the board.

One of the traditional challenges in real estate has been helping buyers find the right property to match their specific needs.

Ai-powered algorithms are aiding the search process by analysing vast amounts of data to provide personalised property recommendations. This is just one way AI is making the search process faster, more efficient and highly targeted.

Predictive analysis

AI’S ability to predict market trends is also transforming property valuation. Automated Valuation Models (AVMS) allow real estate professionals to access real-time property values, assess risk factors and identify market opportunities more precisely.

By leveraging predictive analytics, developers can even tailor property designs and amenities to align with customer demands.

These capabilities are invaluable, especially in fluctuating markets where rapid, data-backed decision-making can yield significant returns.

With Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), AI is further enriching the real estate experience by offering immersive tours of properties, enabling buyers to visualise spaces in detail without setting foot in them.

On the local front, many Malaysian property developers and real estate agencies have already integrated VR to allow prospective buyers to walk through properties virtually, gaining a comprehensive view of layout and design. This enhanced decision-making tool reduces time on the market and helps potential buyers envision their future homes with confidence, even from afar. however, the next stage of AI deployment is still in its infancy due to the technical expertise and high costs required for implementation.

As a result, it is currently restricted to larger players who have the necessary resources.

Operational efficiency

In property management, AI is proving its value by simplifying maintenance processes, reducing costs and enhancing tenant satisfaction. By integrating Internet of things devices with AI systems, property managers can monitor conditions like temperature, energy use and air quality in realtime. AI also facilitates predictive maintenance, scheduling repairs before issues become costly problems. This approach not only reduces operating expenses but also ensures a more seamless experience for tenants, as maintenance is managed proactively rather than reactively.

hence, it is little wonder that big real estate firms like JLL are pushing the industry further into the future with the launch of its JLL Falcon, a comprehensive AI platform designed to fuel innovation and provide data-driven insights. JLL Falcon combines JLL’S proprietary data with generative AI to help commercial real estate (CRE) professionals maximise returns while keeping costs manageable.

JLL Technologies chief executive officer Mihir Shah highlighted the platform’s far-reaching potential: “JLL Falcon will serve as the foundation for the continued innovation of products and services that help shape the CRE industry.” With capabilities such as natural language processing, semantic understanding and advanced analytics, JLL Falcon is helping CRE professionals make more informed decisions in realtime, powering applications ranging from tenant management to property analytics.

One of the most exciting aspects of JLL Falcon is its integration with JLL GPTTM, the first generative AI assistant crafted specifically for the CRE sector.

Launched in 2023, JLL GPTTM has already seen rapid adoption across JLL’S workforce of 47,000 professionals. By analysing curated datasets, JLL GPTTM helps generate insights that enable real estate professionals to offer customised solutions to clients.

Recent upgrades to JLL GPTTM include advanced image processing and a significant expansion of its working memory, making it a powerful tool for streamlining client consultations and creating data-backed strategies.

Other real estate players are following suit as such integration marks a step forward in enhancing efficiency across individual firms’ functions and setting a new industry standard for data-driven insights.

A global trend

The rise of AI in real estate is part of a broader trend where technology adoption is accelerating across the globe. In JLL’S 2023 Global Real estate Technology Survey, over 80% of occupiers, investors and developers shared plans to increase their real estate tech budget over the next three years.

As technology continues to evolve, Proptech solutions are paving the way for even greater AI integration, allowing functions like investment management, construction and facility operations to benefit from advanced analytics and predictive insights.

With such solutions, real estate professionals are now able to navigate industry challenges with greater confidence, using databacked strategies to deliver tangible value.

As AI tools’ analytics continue to drive value, the property industry is entering a new era of innovation. From creating more streamlined search experiences to supporting data-driven property management, AI is transforming how real estate is bought, sold, managed and experienced.

With continued investment in AI, the sector is set to become even more efficient and responsive, redefining client relationships and setting new standards of excellence across the industry. In this era of digital transformation, AI has integrated itself as a strategic partner, revolutionising how the real estate industry operates and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.

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