A South Korean committee responsible for personal information matters is conducting an inquiry into Worldcoin for its collection and processing of sensitive data.
According to a government notice issued on Monday, the Personal Information Protection Committee initiated an investigation into the digital identity project on February 29th, prompted by complaints regarding the collection and processing of personal information, including iris scanning.
The notice reveals that Worldcoin affiliates are currently gathering facial and iris recognition data at approximately 10 locations in Korea.
Consequently, the commission plans to scrutinize the overall collection and overseas transfer of personal information. It asserts that action will be taken if violations of the Personal Information Protection Act are discovered.
Privacy Concerns Surround Worldcoin
Led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Worldcoin has garnered global attention and raised privacy concerns due to its management of biometric data. Regulators in several countries, including Germany, France, and Britain, have launched investigations into the project’s practices regarding biometric information management.
Recently, Hong Kong’s data protection authority probed six local Worldcoin booths. Privacy Commissioner Chung Liling cautioned the public about the risks associated with participating in iris scanning activities and urged vigilance.
In December, Worldcoin temporarily suspended its orb verification service in India, Brazil, and France.
Despite Controversy, Significant User Engagement
Worldcoin aims to establish a universal basic income system where individuals receive regular cryptocurrency grants as a guaranteed income source. It employs a device called the “Orb” to scan individuals’ eyes, ensuring equitable distribution of grants to different recipients.
The Worldcoin Foundation stated to Cryptonews in February that its mission is “to help create access and participation in the global digital economy while preserving privacy.”
A spokesperson clarified, “Worldcoin does not seek to know who a person is, just that they are human and unique. As such, any information used to verify unique humanness is promptly deleted by default.” The project encourages regulators and consumers to seek information or clarifications about the programs it offers.
Despite controversies surrounding its practices, Worldcoin has amassed over 3.9 million sign-ups as of early March and records over 450,000 average daily wallet transactions.