Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog raided six offices of cryptocurrency project Worldcoin throughout the city after finding that project obtained participants’ iris biometric information.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data raided the project’s offices in Yau Ma Tei, Kwun Tong, Wan Chai, Cyberport, Central, and Causeway Bay this afternoon after having obtained search warrants from the court.
The operation came as the Office earlier found that participants can register for WorldID, the project’s digital passport, by allowing the project to scan their irises and collect a Worldcoin token for free.
The Office warned that the iris is a unique and very sensitive personal biometric information that cannot be changed and there could be serious consequences if the information is leaked.
The Office also said it acknowledged the project’s operations in Hong Kong, which expose personal data to severe privacy risks, believing that the project may have breached relevant regulations in collecting and handling sensitive personal data.
Senior personal data officer Lo Dik-fan said although the Office has yet to receive any complaints, the Office proactively launched the investigation in accordance with established procedures in hope of protecting citizens’ privacy and personal data.
Lo called on the public to protect their personal information and not to participate in activities that collect sensitive personal data.
Hongkongers are also advised to consider the legality and purposes of organizations collecting relevant personal information, as well as safety measures adopted.
