Worldcoin, a project spearheaded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is facing increased scrutiny and regulatory probes, particularly regarding privacy issues. Local media outlet HKET reported that Hong Kong’s data protection authority launched an investigation into six Worldcoin booths, using a court warrant to obtain relevant documents and information. The Privacy Commissioner’s Office expressed significant concerns about Worldcoin’s potential breaches of data privacy laws and initiated an inquiry to safeguard individuals’ privacy rights.
Privacy Commissioner Chung Liling cautioned the public against participating in iris scanning activities without due consideration for privacy implications. Despite requests for comment, Worldcoin did not respond to inquiries from Cryptonews.
Worldcoin, launched in Hong Kong in July 2023, quickly gained traction, attracting over 1 million active users and amassing over 4 million downloads of its crypto wallet application, the World App, within six months.
Altman’s vision for Worldcoin revolves around implementing a universal basic income (UBI) system, where individuals receive recurring crypto grants as a form of guaranteed income. The project utilizes a device called the “Orb” to scan people’s eyes, ensuring unique crypto grants for each recipient. While aimed at promoting financial equality and accessibility to digital assets, concerns have been raised about the collection of biometric data.
The biometric data collection methods employed by Worldcoin have drawn global regulatory attention, with authorities in Germany, France, and Britain also indicating intentions to investigate the project. Even Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced reservations about the system used for identity verification. In response to mounting scrutiny, Worldcoin temporarily halted its orb verification service in India, Brazil, and France.