Hong Kong authorities investigating Worldcoin over data privacy concerns

The Administrative center of the Privateness Commissioner for Personal Files (PCPD) in Hong Kong has initiated an investigation into Worldcoin over recordsdata privacy concerns associated to its series of biometric recordsdata, based on a Jan. 31 press free up.

The PCPD acknowledged it accomplished court warrants to enter six Worldcoin premises on Jan. 31 in Yau Ma Tei, Kwun Tong, Wan Chai, Cyperport, Central, and Causeway Bay.

Hong Kong premises entered by PCPD.

In step with the PCPD, the investigation focuses on the likely misuse of deepest recordsdata, notably the biometric recordsdata processed by Worldcoin in trade for cryptocurrency tokens. The regulator acknowledged there are considerable dangers in gathering such sensitive recordsdata, and there are concerns that Worldcoin is in “contravention” of regulatory requirements associated to recordsdata series and storage.

Worldcoin Foundation clarified that the Orbs old to scan contributors “capture a high-resolution snapshot of the iris and converts it into an iris code, which is a numeric code proving the particular particular person is a undeniable human.” Worldcoin affirms no recordsdata is saved except a user requests it, and thus, “upon introduction of the iris code, the photos are solely deleted by default.”

The PCPD’s motion aims to search out out whether or now no longer Worldcoin recordsdata series practices follow the Personal Files (Privateness) Ordinance (PDPO). The operation inviting the series of documents and recordsdata from Worldcoin to search out out about its recordsdata series and processing systems.

Worldcoin Foundation issued a assertion shared with CryptoSlate pointing out.

“Worldcoin changed into once established to reduction create access and participation in the world digital financial system whereas maintaining privacy. Worldcoin doesn’t look to grasp who a particular person is, fair that they’re human and abnormal. As such, any recordsdata old to have a look at abnormal humanness is promptly deleted by default.”

In the period in-between, the watchdog has informed the final public to bear in mind the need, cause, and retention duration of biometric recordsdata series earlier than taking half in such actions. The regulator emphasized the sensitivity of biometric recordsdata, given its abnormal and unalterable nature.

The PDPO mandates that organizations fetch deepest recordsdata for fair applications and secure the guidelines against unauthorized or accidental access and employ. It also restricts utilizing deepest recordsdata for original applications without explicit consent.

The PCPD also requested that the final public submit any complaints and recordsdata concerning Worldcoin’s recordsdata practices.

Worldcoin’s regulatory woes

The Worldcoin venture is undergoing identical investigations in a total lot of international locations due to privacy concerns over gathering biometric recordsdata, notably iris scans, for digital id verification and cryptocurrency distribution.

The Bavarian Utter Administrative center for Files Protection Supervision in Germany initiated its investigation in 2022, driven by concerns referring to the scale of sensitive biometric recordsdata processing. The probe focuses on the legality of Worldcoin’s practices under the EU’s strict recordsdata security rules, notably scrutinizing points of user consent and the clarity of recordsdata offered to customers about their recordsdata utilization.

In the same scheme, the Argentine Agency for Salvage entry to to Public Files (AAIP) launched an investigation into the venture after a surge in local pastime. The AAIP is inspecting Worldcoin’s adherence to local recordsdata security felony guidelines, particularly specializing in how the company safeguards the privacy of its customers in Argentina. This contains reviewing the safety features Worldcoin employs to offer protection to the restful biometric recordsdata.

In the period in-between, the Kenyan govt has suspended Worldcoin’s operations in the country following an investigation deemed its actions to be “espionage.”The venture has been working with the authorities to resolve the scenario.

Up thus far Feb. 1, 2024, 1 p.m.: Added feedback from Worldcoin Foundation and clarified subheading.