Worldcoin (WLD) Again Stumbled On Privacy Problems In Hong Kong

Worldcoin must face legal cases from the Hong Kong government. (Photo; Doc. CryptoWallet)

JAKARTA - Worldcoin, a crypto project that relies on Orbs devices to scan the eyes, must face legal problems in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government takes firm action against the digital identity project, Worldcoin, by stopping their slice scanning operations.

This decision was taken following an in-depth investigation by the Office of Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) that uncovered serious violations of local privacy laws. The move highlights Hong Kong's commitment to protecting the privacy of its citizens amid the rapid development of digital technology.

The investigation, which began in January 2024 by the PCPD, aims to review Worldcoin's practices and compliance with local privacy laws. After a thorough examination, Private Commissioner Chung Lai-ling concluded that the Worldcoin operation violated Privacy Regulations related to collection, storage, transparency, access, and correction of personal data.

As a result of these findings, the Commissioner issued an enforcement notice requiring Worldcoin to immediately stop collecting slices and people's faces through their slash scanning device.

The PCPD received court approval in January to visit six locations where Worldcoin operates and scans user biometric data after previously visiting these point of operation in December 2023 without a warrant. In the period between December and January, the privacy agency visited the six locations at least ten times before conducting interrogation of staff at the operations center.

During this period, Worldcoin confirmed that it had scanned 8,302 people during its operations in Hong Kong, verifying both their faces and slices. The investigation revealed that the scanning of the slices and faces of Hong Kongers was too invasive and unfair.