Privacy Concerns Force Worldcoin to Halt Operations in Hong Kong
Learn about the latest development in the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project and the privacy concerns that have led to its suspension in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s Privacy Watchdog Steps In
- The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) in Hong Kong has issued an enforcement notice against Worldcoin.
- The PCPD found Worldcoin’s collection of face and iris scans for identity verification to be unnecessary and excessive.
- Worldcoin failed to comply with the city’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO).
Investigations and Findings
- The PCPD conducted 10 covert visits to six Worldcoin locations in Hong Kong.
- These visits led to the discovery of breaches in data collection rules and lack of transparency.
- Worldcoin’s plan to retain personal data for up to 10 years for AI model training was deemed unjustified.
Worldcoin’s Response and Future Implications
- Worldcoin has removed all branding from its Hong Kong office in response to the enforcement notice.
- Failing to comply with the notice could result in fines and imprisonment for the project.
- The PCPD has urged the public to report any Worldcoin-operated iris scanning services.
Hot Take: Safeguarding Privacy in Crypto Operations
Takeaways on the importance of privacy protection in cryptocurrency projects and the repercussions of non-compliance with established regulations.
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