Hong Kong Authorities Probe Worldcoin’s Privacy Concerns

Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has launched an investigation into the local operations of Worldcoin, an identity verification project. The PCPD has expressed concerns about potential risks to personal data privacy and has executed warrants to enter six premises controlled by Worldcoin in Hong Kong. The commission has requested documents and information and has advised Hong Kong residents to consider how their biometric data, which is collected through iris-scanning orbs, could be used.

The PCPD believes that Worldcoin’s collection and processing of sensitive personal data may be in violation of the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. According to regulatory guidelines, any personal data collected by Worldcoin must be for a lawful purpose related to the project’s function or activity. The iris data collected from users is deemed to be sensitive information.

Worldcoin, which began in 2021, has garnered significant attention from regulators in various countries due to concerns over privacy. As a result, the project has suspended its services in Kenya and has temporarily paused iris scans in India. By December 2023, over five million people had created accounts using their identity for Worldcoin.

reached out to Worldcoin for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication. It is important to note that the information provided in this article is not intended as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Readers are advised to exercise caution and seek independent financial advice if needed. It is also recommended to fully understand the nature of any cryptoasset purchase and the associated risks before proceeding. Further information can be obtained from the issuer’s or advertiser’s terms and conditions and help/support pages.