Privacy & Data
How does the Periodic Data Deletion Process work?
To protect your privacy and ensure we do not retain your information longer than necessary, we run a daily Periodic Data Deletion Process. This automated process identifies inactive accounts and removes personal data that is no longer needed to provide our services.
This article explains when an account becomes eligible for deletion, what data is removed, and what you need to do if you want your account included in this process.
When is an account considered inactive?
For an account to be eligible for automatic deletion, it must meet specific inactivity criteria.
An account is considered inactive if:
- The account has not been used for 24 months or more.
- The World ID has not been verified through an Orb.
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The account is not currently blocked due to fraud investigations.
What information is deleted?
Once an account meets the criteria above, our system permanently removes personal data that is not essential for legal compliance.
This includes:
- Profile information: Username and profile picture.
- Activity logs: User activity records and communication history.
- Support history: Previous support tickets and chat history.
- Device data: Device fingerprint data.
- Marketing data: Information used for marketing communications.
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Analytics data: Optional analytics events stored in our systems.
What information is retained?
We retain a limited amount of data only when required by law or for fraud prevention purposes. For example, we may retain certain records to comply with:
- Tax regulations
- Financial reporting obligations
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Investigations related to violations of our Terms of Service
How long does the process take?
The deletion process runs daily. Once your account becomes eligible, that means it was inactive for 24 months or more, the deletion of data across our systems is typically completed within 15 business days.
Can I request deletion sooner?
Yes. You do not need to wait 24 months for this automatic process. If you would like your data to be deleted sooner, please contact our Privacy Support Team through the in-app Support Chat or through our Privacy Portal.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
How can I opt-in to share my data with Tools for Humanity?
By participating in our Data Opt-In feature, you can help us train our AI models and keep World ID safe for every human. This feature is entirely optional and you can enable it or disable it anytime from your World ID app settings (where available).
Why Opt-In?
- The data you share with us helps improve fraud detection.
- Occasionally, authentication processes such as face or Orb captures might not work as intended due to factors like unique facial features, environmental conditions, or system limitations. Sharing your data helps us quickly identify and resolve these issues, ensuring our services remain secure and accessible.
What Data Is Shared?
When you opt in, we securely collect and analyze relevant data, which might include:
- Photos taken by the Orb.
- Images from authentication attempts.
- Metadata helpful for troubleshooting and improvements.
Note: Sharing your Orb and Face Authentication photos trains our AI models with real-world examples, enhancing their accuracy and inclusiveness in ways synthetic data cannot match.
Ensuring Your Privacy
Your privacy is our top priority:
- Participation is completely voluntary.
- You can revoke your consent at any time from the settings.
- Data will never be shared externally or used for purposes other than improving authentication reliability.
- All data is securely stored and promptly deleted upon opting out.
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We process your personal information under the highest security standards. After 90 days, we’ll check if you still want to participate in improving World ID for everyone.
For more details on data sharing and privacy, please visit our Privacy Notice – Research and Development.
How To Participate
You have complete control over your data sharing preferences, and you can opt in through three convenient ways:
1. From the Settings Tab
Tap your profile picture to open Settings, then navigate to Privacy & Security and turn on the "Help improve World ID for everyone" toggle. You can opt out at any time.
When enabled, the photos taken by the Orb (normally stored only on your device) will be securely sent to our servers to train the AI models powering World ID.
2. Proactive Pop-Up Invitations
We may occasionally prompt you with a pop-up asking if you'd like to opt in. These prompts appear when:
- You've encountered repeated issues with authentication (face or Orb captures).
- You're part of specific test groups aimed at improving system performance.
- Your experiences could significantly help address unique challenges (e.g., issues arising from unusual facial features or iris authentication years after initial enrollment).
Accepting these invitations will automatically enable data sharing in your settings.
3. Automatic Prompts After Authentication Issues
If you repeatedly encounter authentication issues, you might see an automated pop-up inviting you to share your data. Accepting this prompt automatically enables data sharing.
Thank you for helping us improve our service and make the experience better for everyone!
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
What happens with my data after deletion?
We support data minimization and storage limitations and do not collect or process information that is no longer needed from you. At World ID App, we retain only the data required to provide and improve our services and to meet our legal and safety obligations.
To make sure all your information is appropriately deleted before deleting your account, make sure you complete the following steps:
- Back up any important information you might need later (e.g., username, app settings).
- Review any pending activity in the app and ensure it’s completed or canceled.
- Turn off optional features like push notifications if you want to stop receiving messages immediately.
Once you request account deletion, the following happens:
- World ID App Profile: Your username will be permanently deleted.
- Orb Verification: Proof of ownership for your World ID will be deleted.
Device Data: NFC identifiers and device IDs tied to your World ID are removed.
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless technology that allows your phone to read information from a compatible card, device, or document located in close proximity. For example, when you tap your phone on your passport during verification. Most modern smartphones have NFC built in, and it needs to be turned on in your phone’s settings.
- Local Storage: All app data saved on your phone, iCloud, or Google Drive will be erased.
- Analytics Data (Optional): If you opted into app analytics, your data will be cleared, and tracking will be disabled.
- Push Notifications: All notification tokens and history will be deleted, and push notifications will be disabled.
- AI Training Opt-in: If you contributed data to help train AI models, that information will be permanently deleted.
If you do not want to delete your account, you can choose to only remove your optional data. Upon doing so, the following information will be removed:
- Your username.
- Push Notifications: All notifications and notification history will be deleted, and push notifications will be disabled.
- AI Training Opt-in: If you contributed data to help train AI models, that information will be permanently deleted.
Important information
Please note that if your account has been risk‑flagged, the backend data tied to that flag will not be deleted. However, you still have the ability to delete your app and any data you have stored in the cloud. In some cases, we may retain fully anonymized information that cannot be tied back to you; this anonymized data is used for analytics, research, and product improvement and does not identify individual users.
Data published to a public blockchain such as information included in a blockchain transaction, cannot be technically removed. That includes your public wallet key and the transaction history associated with it; because these records exist on a public ledger, we are unable to delete or alter them and are not legally required to do so. Separately, there are circumstances where we must retain certain information to comply with legal or regulatory obligations, for example for tax, auditing, or other compliance purposes.
Finally, we will retain any data necessary to keep World ID App functioning for you, including information required to maintain your account and deliver the services you use. For more detail about how we collect, use, and retain information, please see our Privacy Notice.
Why do I still see some data after requesting optional data deletion?
When you request deletion of optional data in the World ID App, the respective data collected is immediately deleted. This affects the following data:
- Your username.
- Push Notifications: All notification tokens and history will be deleted, and push notifications will be disabled.
- AI Training Opt-in: If you contributed data to help train AI models, that information will be permanently deleted.
Other data will continue to be stored until you request account deletion.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
How do I delete my data?
You can delete some of your optional data while still being able to use World ID App. Your optional data includes:
- Profile data (username, profile picture)
- Optional analytics and push notifications
- Data donation (donated images)
- Data donation (donated images)
To delete your optional data:
1. Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner.
2. Scroll down and select the Privacy & Security option.
- This area contains all necessary options related to your account management.
3. Tap Clear optional data.
4. Review and select the data that you wish to have deleted. Make sure that you're okay with losing the data. Tick the box to acknowledge that this action is permanent and data cannot be recovered after deletion.
5. Once you're ready, confirm this action by tapping on Confirm data deletion.
7. The deletion request will show you a Requested status when you submit it. The status will change to Deleted once the action is completed.
It can take up to 30 days for your deletion to be carried out on all of our systems. As soon as you receive a confirmation of your data deletion, you can proceed to uninstall the World ID App from your device.
It's up to you if you want to keep your backup to access the World ID App in the future. Keep in mind, if you decide to delete your backup, then your current account will not be recoverable.
If you have a personal data request that goes beyond deleting your optional data, please take a look at our articles, How do I delete my Account? Or Where do I reach out for personal data requests?, for guidance.
What data is deleted with this action?
When you request Data Deletion we delete any personal information attached to your account like your username and your profile picture (if it was added to your account) and you won’t lose access to the World ID App. The rest of the information is deleted through the Account Deletion Feature (like public and private keys and data backups).
What is the difference between Data Deletion and Account Deletion?
Data deletion involves removing specific personal information (i.e., your username) while allowing you to retain access to the World ID App. In contrast, account deletion means permanently wiping your account, resulting in the loss of all access to the app and its features.
Please note both are automated features and your data or your account will be deleted instantaneously.
What happens if I want to delete my data and I lose access to the World ID App?
If you want to delete your World ID App data but can’t access the app, you can request assistance from our Support Team through the app, or through our official social media support channels to try to restore access to your account. Once you regain access, you can follow the steps above to delete your data.
If you couldn’t perform the data deletion through the app and you are an inactive user for more than twenty four months, we will always make sure that your data is deleted during our periodic data deletion procedures. Through this process, we make sure to clean up our databases from information that is no longer necessary to keep or process.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
How do I delete my account?
The Account Deletion feature gives you full control over your account, allowing you to remove your profile from the World ID App permanently.
Is Account Deletion the same as Data Deletion?
No. It’s essential to distinguish between account deletion and data deletion, as each serves different purposes.
Data deletion (“Clear optional data”) involves removing personal information such as profile data, optional analytics and push notification and face and iris images donated for training, while allowing you to retain access to the World ID App.
In contrast, account deletion permanently removes a user's World ID account, resulting in the loss of access to all apps, backups, and features associated with that account. This includes access to World App, as there is no separation between the apps at the account level—a user has a single account that is shared across both apps. As a result, deleting the account from one app also affects access to the other.
Deleting your account from World ID App will also delete your back-ups and private keys, which extends to the World App.
Account Deletion
To request a permanent deletion of your account, follow these steps:
- Tap your profile photo in the top left corner.
- Select the Privacy & Security option
- Tap Delete account.
- You’ll then be asked to confirm your choice. Tap Confirm account deletion to proceed.
What happens after you confirm deletion?
- The deletion process may take up to 30 days to complete.
- You will receive one confirmation only, including a timestamp of the request. Please keep this for your records.
- Once confirmed, you may uninstall World ID App from your device.
You may keep your backup if you plan to access the World ID App in the future. However, if you delete your backup, your account will not be recoverable.
If you have a personal data request that goes beyond deleting your optional data, please take a look at our article, Where do I reach out for personal data requests?, for guidance.
What data is deleted?
Once your account is deleted, the following data is no longer accessible:
- Profile information
- Account data
- Push notifications
- Optional data for model training
- World ID
Exceptions to account deletion
As part of our compliance and legal obligations, there is one notable exception to the account deletion process. Users who are flagged for fraud will be notified that we cannot delete their information for security reasons.
If you have more questions about the specifics of what data has been removed after account deletion, please reach out through our Privacy Portal.
What happens if I want to delete my data and I lose access to World ID App?
If you want to delete your World ID App data but can’t access the app, you can request assistance from our Support Team through the app or through our official social media support channels to try to restore access to your account. Once you regain access, you can follow the steps above to delete your data.
If you couldn’t perform the data deletion through the app and you are an inactive user for more than twenty-four months, we will always make sure that your data is deleted during our periodic data deletion procedures. Through this process, we make sure to clean up our databases from information that is no longer necessary to keep or process.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
Where do I reach out for personal data requests?
What is considered a privacy request and what is not?
A privacy request is related specifically to your personal information and any concerns regarding its security. If you have questions about account access, loss of backup, changing usernames, or issues with operators, please contact our Support Team.
Additionally, if you have concerns about scams or fraud, these should also be directed to the Support Team, unless they involve the deletion of your personal information. For instance, if you wish to delete your World ID data because you were under 18 when you opened the account, or if you were pressured to perform the iris verification and now you wish to delete your information, our Privacy Team can assist you with your rights in those situations.
Should I provide any personal information when contacting Privacy Support?
Generally, no, you don’t need to provide any additional personal information upfront. In very rare cases, they may ask for additional details such as username to help identify your account in our system.
IMPORTANT: Please remember that you should not share sensitive information such as photos, social security numbers, ID numbers, addresses, or financial details with us. Keeping your information safe is our priority!
Updating Personal Data
You can update your username or phone number directly from the Settings in your World ID profile. For more details, visit our Help Center Article: How do I update my account settings?
Note: At this time, only usernames and profile pictures can be updated in the World ID App. Email addresses cannot be changed through the app.
Deleting Personal Data
If you'd like to delete your personal data, you can do so in the World ID App by following ourguide. Once you've deleted your data in the app, if you'd like, you can go ahead and delete the app and any backup data that you may have.
You can visit theTools for Humanity Personal Data Request Form, where you can submit a request form for the Privacy Team to review. Make sure to fill in as much detail as possible, and to input a correct username if the request is related to your account.
For more details and information about how we use and protect your personal information, please visit ourPrivacy Overview andPrivacy Notice.
Other Privacy Requests
If you're a user, the best way to submit a privacy request is through ourPrivacy Portal. Our dedicated Privacy Support Team is ready to assist you with any questions about your personal information. They can provide guidance on the following:
- How to obtain a copy of your personal information
- How to delete your personal information
- How to modify your profile information
The Privacy Team cannot assist with:
- Login or account access issues
- App functionality problems
- Reporting scams or fraud (unless your request involves deletion of personal data)
You can also access the Privacy Portal through your World ID App by following these steps:
1. On the World ID tab, click on your profile picture on the top left section of the screen
2. Tap on Privacy & Security
3. Select General Requests
Please remember to only submit requests related to privacy through the portal. If your inquiry is about something else, the Privacy Team won’t be able to help you through that channel. If your issue is not related to exercising your privacy rights, please contact ourSupport Team instead.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
What personal user data does World collect and what does the organization do with my data?
Your privacy and data security are top priorities for the World project.
Data collection and control
All information collected by World ID App is detailed in the Tools for Humanity (TFH) Privacy Policy. TFH is a project contributor and the controller of this data.
Do you share my data?
We do not share any personal user data with anyone who is not working on or assisting with the World project — and we never will. Both Tools for Humanity and the World Foundation have clear Privacy Statements ensuring your data is protected.
Do you sell my data?
We do not and will never sell personal data.
Neither Tools for Humanity nor the World Foundation engages in the sale of user information under any circumstances.
Is my data secure?
All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. To keep your information and assets safe:
- Never let others handle your device.
- Never share your wallet address.
- People working on the World project and Orb Operators will never ask you for your device or wallet address.
To learn more about how the World project approaches privacy, visit world.org/privacy.
Is my data safe if the Orb is stolen?
Your data remains safe even if an Orb is stolen. No personal data is stored on the Orb itself — all information, including images, is deleted once it has been securely transferred to the person’s device.
For more information, read the Orb FAQs and the World White Paper.
Technology Behind Iris Code Processing
If you would like to know more about the technology used for the processing of your iris code, please visit:
- https://world.org/privacy
- https://world.org/how-the-launch-works
- www.world.org/blog/announcements/worldcoin-foundation-unveils-new-smpc-system-deletes-old-iris-codes
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.