Hong Kong authorities are investigating Worldcoin over data privacy concerns
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) in Hong Kong has launched an investigation into Worldcoin due to data privacy concerns regarding the collection of biometric data, according to a Jan. 31 press release.
PCPD said it executed court orders to enter six Worldcoin facilities in Yau Ma Tei, Kwun Tong, Wan Chai, Cyperport, Central and Causeway Bay on Jan. 31.
Hong Kong raids
According to the PCPD, the investigation focuses on the potential misuse of personal data, specifically biometric data collected by Worldcoin in exchange for cryptocurrency tokens. The regulator said there were significant risks in collecting such sensitive data and that there were concerns that Worldcoin was “in contravention” of regulatory requirements regarding data collection and storage.
The PCPD’s action aims to determine whether Worldcoin data collection practices comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Regulations (PDPO). The operation involved collecting documents and information from Worldcoin to review its data collection and processing methods.
The watchdog advised the public to consider the necessity, purpose and retention period of biometric data collection before engaging in such activities. The regulator highlights the sensitivity of biometric data, given its unique and immutable nature.
The PDPO requires organizations to collect personal data for lawful purposes and to protect the data from unauthorized or accidental access and use. It also restricts the use of personal data for new purposes without explicit consent.
PCPD also requested the public to submit any complaints and information regarding Worldcoin’s data practices.
Worldcoin’s regulatory issues
The Worldcoin project is subject to similar investigations in many countries due to privacy concerns regarding the collection of biometric data, primarily iris scans, for digital authentication and cryptocurrency distribution.
The Bavarian State Data Protection Supervisory Office in Germany launched its investigation in 2022 over concerns about the scale of sensitive biometric data processing. The investigation focuses on the legality of Worldcoin’s practices under the EU’s strict data protection regulations, and specifically examines issues of user consent and the clarity of information provided to users about their data use.
Similarly, Argentina’s Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) launched an investigation into the project following increased local interest. AAIP is examining Worldcoin’s adherence to local data protection laws, focusing specifically on how the company protects the privacy of its users in Argentina. This includes reviewing the security measures Worldcoin uses to protect the biometric data collected.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government suspended Worldcoin’s operations in the country following an investigation that deemed its activities to be “espionage”. The project is working with authorities to resolve the situation.
#Hong #Kong #authorities #investigating #Worldcoin #data #privacy #concerns
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) in Hong Kong has launched an investigation into Worldcoin due to data privacy concerns regarding the collection of biometric data, according to a Jan. 31 press release.
PCPD said it executed court orders to enter six Worldcoin facilities in Yau Ma Tei, Kwun Tong, Wan Chai, Cyperport, Central and Causeway Bay on Jan. 31.
Hong Kong raids
According to the PCPD, the investigation focuses on the potential misuse of personal data, specifically biometric data collected by Worldcoin in exchange for cryptocurrency tokens. The regulator said there were significant risks in collecting such sensitive data and that there were concerns that Worldcoin was “in contravention” of regulatory requirements regarding data collection and storage.
The PCPD’s action aims to determine whether Worldcoin data collection practices comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Regulations (PDPO). The operation involved collecting documents and information from Worldcoin to review its data collection and processing methods.
The watchdog advised the public to consider the necessity, purpose and retention period of biometric data collection before engaging in such activities. The regulator highlights the sensitivity of biometric data, given its unique and immutable nature.
The PDPO requires organizations to collect personal data for lawful purposes and to protect the data from unauthorized or accidental access and use. It also restricts the use of personal data for new purposes without explicit consent.
PCPD also requested the public to submit any complaints and information regarding Worldcoin’s data practices.
Worldcoin’s regulatory issues
The Worldcoin project is subject to similar investigations in many countries due to privacy concerns regarding the collection of biometric data, primarily iris scans, for digital authentication and cryptocurrency distribution.
The Bavarian State Data Protection Supervisory Office in Germany launched its investigation in 2022 over concerns about the scale of sensitive biometric data processing. The investigation focuses on the legality of Worldcoin’s practices under the EU’s strict data protection regulations, and specifically examines issues of user consent and the clarity of information provided to users about their data use.
Similarly, Argentina’s Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) launched an investigation into the project following increased local interest. AAIP is examining Worldcoin’s adherence to local data protection laws, focusing specifically on how the company protects the privacy of its users in Argentina. This includes reviewing the security measures Worldcoin uses to protect the biometric data collected.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government suspended Worldcoin’s operations in the country following an investigation that deemed its activities to be “espionage”. The project is working with authorities to resolve the situation.
#Hong #Kong #authorities #investigating #Worldcoin #data #privacy #concerns
