Innovator brings global ID checker

While a world identification system elicits a Star Wars technology in which a person’s identity can be known anywhere on the planet through biometrics like face recognition or eye prints, such a network is already at hand.

A global tagging system for persons promises a new era of seamless travel and even employment, possibly replacing passports.

The cutting-edge technology provides armor against online threats, shaped like a glowing silver sphere. 

World, the largest human-centered financial and identity network, is introducing a novel human verification device called The Orb to the Philippines this year to help citizens protect themselves in an increasingly AI-driven environment.”

“The target market for World ID and the World Network is, honestly, every human. Our goal is for every person to be able to use it and to benefit from it,” Kieran said.

Filipinos with a verified World ID can join over 23 million network participants — including more than 11.8 million verified humans — with the ability to prove their identity online, manage AI agents, and fight bots, misinformation and deepfakes.

World, the largest human-centered financial and identity network, is introducing the technology that will add a new layer of digital protection for Filipinos to help guard against growing cyber threats.

World Chief Legal and Privacy Officer Damien Kieran said the company plans to roll out its human verification device, The Orb, nationwide this year.

The nationwide launch of The Orb, a secure and anonymous device that allows World ID holders to verify their identification, follows a successful pilot test in select cities in Bulacan.

“We plan to launch ‘The Orb’ within the year,” Kieran told reporters. He added that verification locations will soon expand to Metro Manila, including Gateway Mall in Quezon City and Greenhills Mall in San Juan.

The rise of social media use and rapid AI adoption have called for new tools to protect online presence.

“Between 2022 and 2023, deepfake-related identity fraud cases surged 4,500 percent in the Philippines, and reports of spikes in bot-driven misinformation and high-profile fraud and cyber cases continue as the country approaches a crucial midterm election in May,” it said.

To support its Philippine rollout, World and Tools for Humanity have partnered with the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines NADPOP, the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team, and Secure Digital Life Center (SDLC) to strengthen its cyber defenses.

Enhanced online protection

“Protecting people’s online presence is becoming increasingly important,” Kieran said. “Through this collaboration, we are committed to bringing cutting-edge digital security solutions that will protect Filipinos and enhance trust in online transactions and services.”

Sam Jacoba, founding president of NADPOP and SDLC, stressed the urgency of the initiative.

“We cannot afford to take digital security lightly. Every Filipino deserves to be protected online, and this initiative is a major step toward building a cyber-resilient nation and society,” Jacoba said. “By working together, we can empower individuals, businesses, and government agencies to stay ahead of cyber threats.”

The Orb is a marvel of modern technology, designed to be both user-friendly and highly secure. It operates by conducting a biometric scan, likely involving iris recognition or a similar advanced method — to confirm an individual’s identity without storing sensitive personal data in an easily compromised way.

The emphasis on anonymity and security aligns with global best practices in data privacy. This priority is firmly recognized in the Philippines, where the Data Privacy Act of 2012 governs the handling of personal information.

The timing of The Orb’s launch is strategic. It coincides with broader efforts by the Philippine government and private sector to strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure and roll out a unified ID system.

The National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023 to 2028, adopted under Executive Order 58 in April 2024, outlines a comprehensive roadmap for securing cyberspace, emphasizing collaboration across sectors. Introducing The Orb complements these efforts, offering a practical tool that aligns with the NCSP’s goals of proactive security and enhanced workforce capabilities.

The ongoing rollout of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), now rebranded simply as the National ID, demonstrates a determined push toward digital identity solutions.

With 84 million registrations reported by March 2025, integrating tools like The Orb could further enhance the utility and security of such systems, particularly in combating fraud in government and financial services.

The potential impact of The Orb extends beyond individual users to the broader socio-economic fabric.

Fending off online threats

For instance, the rise in deepfake-related fraud and misinformation poses a direct threat to democratic processes, as evidenced by concerns surrounding the upcoming midterm elections.

By enabling Filipinos to verify their identities online, The Orb could play a crucial role in mitigating electoral manipulation and ensuring the integrity of public discourse.

Similarly, in the financial sector, where identity verification is critical, the device could streamline processes while reducing the risk of fraud — a benefit already demonstrated by local banks like Asia United Bank, which has integrated National ID authentication to onboard clients more efficiently.

However, the success of The Orb’s rollout will depend on several factors, including public awareness, accessibility and trust.

Expanding verification locations to major malls is a promising start, but reaching rural and underserved areas — where digital literacy and infrastructure may lag — will be challenging. Partnerships with agencies and relevant private groups could prove instrumental, leveraging their networks to educate communities and ensure equitable access.

Additionally, addressing privacy concerns will be paramount. While World emphasizes the anonymity of The Orb, Filipinos, wary of data breaches and surveillance, will require assurances that their information remains secure.

The introduction of The Orb could position the Philippines as a regional leader in digital identity and cybersecurity. With ASEAN neighbors also grappling with similar threats, the Philippines’ adoption of such technology could set a precedent for collaborative efforts, such as the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Community Alliance.

As cyber threats grow in complexity and scale, the device offers a forward-thinking solution that prioritizes security, trust and inclusivity. Backed by strategic partnerships and aligned with national cybersecurity goals, The Orb can transform how Filipinos navigate the digital realm, safeguarding their identities and enhancing their participation in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.

As the rollout unfolds throughout 2025, its success will hinge on execution, adoption, and the collective will to build a safer, more resilient digital Philippines.

With the Philippines consistently ranking among Southeast Asia’s top targets for cyberattacks, local partnerships are vital to ensuring long-term digital resilience.

Beyond deploying technology, the goal is to foster awareness, accountability, and trust across sectors — one verified human at a time.