Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has accused Worldcoin, an iris biometric crypto startup co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, of violating local data laws, requiring the cessation of its operations in the region as of May 22. This San Francisco-based project aimed to create a global digital identity platform but was found to collect biometric data in ways that breached privacy ordinances, collecting excessive personal data without proper consent and failing to inform participants about their rights.
Notably, Worldcoin has been distinctive in its approach by using iris-scanning technology to distribute its WLD tokens, aiming to facilitate global transactions. Despite the controversy, the project managed to secure $115 million in Series C funding in May 2023, showcasing significant financial backing and confidence from major venture capital firms. Over 8,300 individuals in Hong Kong had their biometric data scanned by Worldcoin, highlighting the project’s extensive reach before the regulatory pushback. The crackdown in Hong Kong underscores the growing global scrutiny on the intersection of privacy and technology.
