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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A web of scum and villainy, Scam complaints in Malaysia up 300% since 2019

 

PETALING JAYA: They were professionals in the field of finance, banking, accounting, education and information technology, and were well aware that cyberspace was rife with scams.

However, this did not shield even them from being scammed by a syndicate with members posing as seasoned stockbrokers supposedly from well-known investment firms based overseas.

A frugal and astute investor, finance manager Ken Wong – who lost over RM450,000 – had made wise financial choices throughout his working life, building a secure nest egg for his future and family.

With a background in accounting and being savvy in financial matters, the 41-year-old employee of a logistics company never expected to find himself ensnared by a deceptive investment scheme.

Although he was aware of scams in cyberspace, all it took was six weeks of cunning, convincing and crafty assurances by scammers before Wong was ripped out of his hard-earned savings.

“I am very thrifty and careful with my expenditure, saving as much as I can for my family, and this is really devastating.

“What if this happens to someone in their old age? It would engulf that person with hopelessness. This is why I would label these scammers as nothing less than ‘murderers’ as they can kill a person by snatching away their sanity and future,” he said.

Still reeling from his loss, Wong said it all started in May when he spotted an advertisement on Facebook that offered insights and short courses on foreign stock investments.

Out of curiosity, he clicked on a link and was promptly greeted by a person who introduced him to the courses, which were being offered for a fee of RM364.

He was then added to a WhatsApp group where lessons were conducted by several foreigners.

Wong said at first, the group only discussed matters related to the course and shared tips on stock investments.

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However, weeks later, the scammers, claiming to be foreign institutional investors (FIIs), started introducing and encouraging investments in foreign initial public offering (IPO) stocks, assuring him he could double his money.

Wong said he downloaded the company’s application and what started with a RM10,000 investment led to him pumping in more funds until he realised he was being deceived by bad actors.

He later learnt that the scammers had cloned real-time foreign stock exchange webpages and created features that convinced their victims to believe they were managing their own funds.

“They were so convincing and persuasive, encouraging us to manage our own investments.

“Having downloaded their app and transferring my funds to local business bank accounts were other factors that had me into believing it was a legitimate business,” he said.

“On record, my investment had doubled, but I could not make any withdrawals. When I questioned them, they demanded I invest another RM1.7mil if I wanted to make withdrawals. This is when I realised I had been fleeced.”

Wong said he was in touch with nine other victims including other professionals in the field of investment and finance, and they formed a group to seek avenues to recover their lost funds.

Another victim, who wanted to be known only as Queenie, said she decided to join the scheme after seeing it on Instagram.

“I felt confident because the scammers had fraudulently used the photos of a well-known investment influencer to promote their scheme. They claimed we could receive returns of over 400%.

“Now that I have lost my life savings, there are feelings like anger, sadness and denial.

“I think I am going through depression,” said the 46-year-old banker, who lost over RM230,000, part of which she had borrowed from a friend.

A 41-year-old private university lecturer said he lost RM120,000 of his savings and from his parents’ retirement fund.

He said he was invited to join a WhatsApp group by a woman who claimed to be a Singaporean.

“She told me that she was invited by the government to educate Malaysians on stock investments and encouraged me to join her classes. No payments were demanded in the beginning, but we were then lured into investing after weeks of receiving tutorials on stocks,” he said.

Siva, a 32-year-old office administrator, said he lost RM200,000 that he had partly borrowed from his family.

“I had saved the funds to buy a house as I am getting married soon. I do not know how to break this news to my family,” he said.

All four victims have lodged police reports.

The syndicate, operating under the guise of being stockbrokers, was busted by commercial crime police in September when 17 suspects aged between 23 and 52 were held.

Police said the syndicate had raked in over RM33mil from victims and at least six more suspects are being hunted, with 66 police reports lodged since January.

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Scam complaints in Malaysia up 300% since 2019

PETALING JAYA: Complaints and enquiries on scams and unlicensed activities shot up by over 300% between 2019 and 2023, according to the Securities Commission (SC).

The commission’s Investors Alert List sighted by The Star also revealed that some 15 sites were flagged by the SC for operating as potential clone entities so far this year.

Clone entities are outfits that misuse the name and credentials of legitimate financial and investment bodies.

In the SC’s 2023 annual report, it was revealed that the regulator received 3,262 complaints and enquiries on scams and unlicensed activities – a 321% increase within those four years.

The SC said social media platforms such as Facebook and messaging apps like Telegram continue to be the primary mode for perpetrators to carry out their illegal activities.

“A new modus operandi observed in 2023 was the use of e-wallets and cryptocurrency as the mode of payment involving investment scams, compared with the mule bank accounts that were used previously.

“This may be designed to avoid easy detection and prompt interventions by enforcement agencies,” it added.

In addition to taking action based on complaints and enquiries, the SC has also dedicated a unit to proactively monitor and detect unlicensed activities and online scams targeting Malaysians.

As of Dec 31, 2023, a total of 569 URLs offering unlicensed activities to Malaysians were detected online.

This was a 49% jump from the 382 URLs detected in 2022.

“Of these, 51% were from Telegram, 27% from Facebook, 9% from Instagram and 13% from other sources such as websites, YouTube, and TikTok,” the SC said in its report.

The issuance of cease-and-desist notices, social media interventions, inclusion in the SC’s Investor Alert List, and the blocking of websites with assistance from the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) were among the actions taken against such sites.

Other actions were requests to block Telegram, Facebook and Instagram accounts; referrals to other agencies or foreign regulators; and lodging police reports.

“The SC has and will continue to proactively disrupt the activities of scammers and operators of unlicensed activities,” it said.

In this regard, the SC includes the names of entities and individuals found to be carrying on scams or unlicensed activities on its Investor Alert List as soon as possible – in most cases within 48 hours of receiving a complaint, it added.

The regulator noted that while some unlicensed activities are carried out locally by Malaysians with a local presence, there are also foreign entities carrying out unlicensed activities in Malaysia.

To create greater awareness, the SC said it has released a “more robust, dynamic and mobile-friendly” Investor Alert List called the Investment Checker, which serves as a one-stop centre for the public to check and verify the legitimacy of entities and individuals.

It has also set up a Scam Meter page and does radio and television interviews on scams and unlicensed activities.

Recently, the Finance Ministry told Parliament that the SC had blocked nearly 200 social media sites and over 100 websites linked to illegal investment schemes, placing 184 entities on a watchlist and filing charges against some.

Offshore platforms were blocked with help from MCMC, while the SC advises public awareness on fraudulent tactics.