Hong Kong Orders Worldcoin Foundation to Cease Operations Over Privacy Concerns
Hong Kong's privacy regulatory body has mandated the cessation of operations by the Worldcoin Foundation within its jurisdiction, citing breaches of local privacy statutes.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) revealed that Worldcoin had gathered biometric data, including facial and iris scans, from more than 8,300 individuals during its activities in Hong Kong.
Following covert investigations conducted at six Worldcoin sites between December 2023 and January 2024, the PCPD concluded that the extent of data collection exceeded what was necessary, thus violating Data Protection Principles.
One contentious issue highlighted by the PCPD was Worldcoin’s proposal to retain personal data for up to a decade for training artificial intelligence models used in the user verification process. The PCPD deemed this retention period excessively long and tantamount to prolonged retention of personal data.
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In response to these findings, the PCPD issued an enforcement notice to Worldcoin, instructing the organization to halt all operations within Hong Kong. Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung urged the public to report any instances of continued Worldcoin activity within the city.
Despite Worldcoin’s March announcement regarding the discontinuation of personal data collection, concerns persist in various jurisdictions. In March, South Korea initiated an investigation following similar complaints, while Spain and Portugal have also commenced inquiries.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
