The Workplace of the Privateness Commissioner for Private Knowledge (PCPD) in Hong Kong has initiated an investigation into Worldcoin over information privateness considerations associated to its assortment of biometric information, based on a Jan. 31 press launch.

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

Hong Kong raids

In response to the PCPD, the investigation focuses on the potential misuse of non-public information, significantly the biometric information collected by Worldcoin in change for cryptocurrency tokens. The regulator mentioned there are important dangers in amassing such delicate information, and there are considerations that Worldcoin is in “contravention” of regulatory necessities associated to information assortment and storage.

The PCPD’s motion goals to find out whether or not Worldcoin information assortment practices adjust to the Private Knowledge (Privateness) Ordinance (PDPO). The operation concerned the gathering of paperwork and data from Worldcoin to assessment its information assortment and processing strategies.

The watchdog has suggested the general public to contemplate the need, function, and retention interval of biometric information assortment earlier than taking part in such actions. The regulator emphasised the sensitivity of biometric information, given its distinctive and unalterable nature.

The PDPO mandates that organizations acquire private information for lawful functions and safe the info in opposition to unauthorized or unintended entry and use. It additionally restricts utilizing private information for brand new functions with out specific consent.

The PCPD additionally requested that the general public submit any complaints and data concerning Worldcoin’s information practices.

Worldcoin’s regulatory woes

The Worldcoin mission is present process related investigations in a number of international locations as a result of privateness considerations over amassing biometric information, notably iris scans, for digital identification verification and cryptocurrency distribution.

The Bavarian State Workplace for Knowledge Safety Supervision in Germany initiated its investigation in 2022, pushed by considerations in regards to the scale of delicate biometric information processing. The probe focuses on the legality of Worldcoin’s practices below the EU’s strict information safety laws, significantly scrutinizing problems with consumer consent and the readability of knowledge supplied to customers about their information utilization.

Equally, the Argentine Company for Entry to Public Info (AAIP) launched an investigation into the mission after a surge in native curiosity. The AAIP is analyzing Worldcoin’s adherence to native information safety legal guidelines, particularly specializing in how the corporate safeguards the privateness of its customers in Argentina. This consists of reviewing the safety measures Worldcoin employs to guard the collected biometric information.

In the meantime, the Kenyan authorities has suspended Worldcoin’s operations within the nation following an investigation deemed its actions to be “espionage.”The mission has been working with the authorities to resolve the scenario.