Hong Kong Starts Investigating Worldcoin

The Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has opened an investigation into Worldcoin’s identity verification project in the city, citing concerns about the privacy of personal data.

The PCPD executed warrants and inspected six premises under Worldcoin’s control as part of this investigation, requesting documents and information.

Hong Kong residents are cautioned to consider how their biometric data may be used by Worldcoin, which uses iris-scanning orbs for identity verification.

The PCPD believes that Worldcoin’s operations may pose serious risks to personal data privacy, and that the collection and processing of sensitive personal data may not comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

According to the PCPD, any personal data collected by Worldcoin must serve a lawful purpose related to the project, and the use of user iris data is considered sensitive according to regulatory guidelines.