Winter is Coming... For Deepfakes! Daenerys Targaryen Weighs In on World ID's UK Invasion

A Dragon's Eye View of Digital Identity

Hear ye hear ye! Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen First of Her Name Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons has turned her gaze upon a curious development across the Narrow Sea. It seems this 'World ID' a venture birthed from the mind of one Sam Altman (no relation to any dragonlords I know) is set to scan the eyes of the good people of the UK. Are they mad? Giving away a piece of themselves like that? But perhaps this ‘Orb,’ as they call it is not as fearsome as a dragon’s breath. They say it's meant to fight these 'deepfakes' and other shadowy tricks of artificial intelligence. A worthy cause perhaps but tread carefully my Britons. Power resides where men believe it resides. It's a trick a shadow on the wall. And a very expensive one at that.

From Mere 'Science Project' to Kingdom Threat?

Adrian Ludwig a 'chief architect' of this Tools for Humanity (a terribly modest name wouldn't you agree?) claims this World thing is transitioning from a 'science project' to a 'real network'. Well my dragons started as tiny eggs and see where that got me! But let’s be real: the digital realm can be as treacherous as the Game of Thrones. Who controls the data controls the realm. This World ID gifts cryptocurrency in exchange for the scan it is akin to the masters of Astapor and their control over the Unsullied; a service traded for servitude. Be mindful of the chains you forge for yourselves.

Privacy? What is Privacy?

Ah privacy. A luxury I haven’t known since... well ever. This Altman fellow assures us that the collected eye data is 'encrypted' and the originals 'deleted.' They should burn it like I did the Khals’ temple! But even then the scent of smoke lingers. This system relies on smartphones and networks of users. Seems like a house of cards waiting for a strong wind to blow it all down. And what of those without these smartphones? Are they to be left behind unverified and cast aside? Such a world seems unfair. Burn them all I say.

The Digital ID: A New Form of Control?

This Ludwig speaks of governments craving digital ID schemes abandoning their old physical cards. Like a Khal discarding his worn leathers for fine silks? But even the finest silks can hide a dagger. He mentions India’s 'Aadhaar,' a system riddled with flaws. So governments are interested in ways to identify and reduce fraud… and control their people. They have no idea what's coming. What is dead may never die but digital is forever. Be careful what you wish for regulators lest you burn your fingers.

Regulators and Dragons: A Delicate Dance

Ludwig claims to have had 'lots of conversations with regulators.' He says all their questions were answered. Ha! I've faced down armies schemed with Varys and flown on dragonback; even *I* have questions without easy answers! This sounds like carefully spun silk to distract from the truth. Trust no one especially those who claim to have all the answers. Because when you play the game of thrones you win or you die. There is no middle ground and that goes for cryptocurrency and eye scanning too.

My Royal Decree: Watch Closely But Choose Wisely

So Westeros er I mean Britain be warned! This World ID may offer some protection against the dark arts of AI but it comes with its own dangers. The Iron Throne has passed but the struggle for power endures. Approach this technology with caution demand transparency and never ever forget that information is power. I am Daenerys Stormborn and I do approve of measures to combat fraud; just tread carefully lest you become servants rather than masters of this new technology. Now if you'll excuse me I have a continent to rebuild… and perhaps a few more dragon eggs to hatch.