BiometricData

China has officially joined the growing list of countries raising alarms over the controversial practices of Worldcoin – a project that rewards users with WLD cryptocurrency tokens in exchange for their biometric data. According to China’s Ministry of State Security, this method of data collection could pose a serious threat to personal information and national security.

A Warning from the Top
In a public statement on WeChat, the ministry highlighted the risks of mass biometric data collection – from fingerprints and facial scans to iris and body-shape recognition.

While not naming Worldcoin directly, officials pointed to “a foreign company that, under the pretext of distributing cryptocurrency tokens, collects iris scans worldwide and transfers this data abroad.”
“Biometric identification may bring convenience, but security must come first. Citizens should carefully consider who they share their data with and take active steps to prevent leaks,” the ministry stated.

Global Pushback Against Worldcoin
China now joins countries like Spain, Germany, and South Korea, which are already investigating the project.

Some nations have gone even further, completely halting Worldcoin’s operations – for example, Kenya suspended the project in 2023 over espionage concerns. In May this year, a Kenyan court ordered the Worldcoin Foundation to delete all collected data and banned further processing of biometric information from Kenyan citizens.
Similar actions have taken place in Brazil, France, and India.

Brazil’s data protection authority ruled that offering tokens in exchange for biometric data is illegal. In India, the project quietly shut down its iris-scanning orbs since the government already collects such identifiers through the Aadhaar national ID system.

Critics: “A Dystopian Model Targeting Weaker Markets”
Worldcoin has long faced sharp criticism for focusing on emerging economies where privacy laws are weaker.

“We’re seeing this technology deployed in third-world countries where identity and privacy rules are not as strict as in the EU or the U.S.,” warns Santiago Siri, a board member of the Proof of Humanity project.

Tech News: AI Meets DeFi
While Worldcoin is under fire globally, other areas of the blockchain industry are moving forward.

Openledger has announced a partnership with Trust Wallet to create the first AI-powered wallet interface.
This will allow users to:
Control DeFi commands in natural languageDeploy AI agents to automate blockchain tasksReceive personalized recommendations for the best-value transactions and airdrop reminders.

All actions will be fully auditable on-chain, ensuring maximum user trust.
It seems the future of blockchain will be increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence – and with privacy concerns that projects like Worldcoin place squarely at the center of the global debate.

#Worldcoin , #china , #BiometricData , #defi , #CryptoSecurity

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$WLD

Worldcoin, the cryptocurrency venture co-founded by Sam Altman, has recently suspended its iris-scanning operations in Brazil, India, and France. The pause follows a controversial rollout of its Orb verification system in these countries, which uses iris scans to create unique digital identities (World ID) for users, tied to the company’s cryptocurrency, WLD. This decision marks a critical moment in Worldcoin's expansion, which aims to redefine digital identity management.
Tools for Humanity, the organization behind Worldcoin, has clarified that the suspension is part of a "limited-time access" plan. The company intends to refine the system in the coming months, with a goal to relaunch the Orb verification service in 2024. The adjustments are aimed at addressing growing concerns and ensuring that the platform complies with regulatory standards, particularly those related to privacy and data security.
The pause comes amid increasing scrutiny from regulators around the globe. For example, Portugal’s data protection authority imposed a 90-day suspension of Worldcoin’s activities, citing potential threats to citizens' privacy, particularly regarding the collection of minors’ biometric data without explicit consent. In India, despite early excitement surrounding the Orb-verification kiosks, Worldcoin quietly ended the service, further raising questions about the long-term viability of this model.
Worldcoin’s use of biometric data in exchange for cryptocurrency has sparked a broader debate about privacy, data security, and ethical implications. Critics argue that this approach could expose sensitive personal information to potential misuse, especially if robust security measures are not in place. Despite these challenges, Worldcoin continues to operate its app in India, where users can still engage with the platform, albeit without the Orb-verification feature.
The company remains committed to ensuring that its services meet global regulatory standards, while promoting a secure and transparent platform for its verified users. As the industry continues to evolve, Worldcoin’s efforts to strike a balance between privacy concerns and technological innovation will be closely monitored by regulators and privacy advocates alike.
Conclusion
Worldcoin’s ambitious project to integrate biometric data with cryptocurrency is facing significant hurdles, but the company’s proactive steps to refine its processes could lead to greater acceptance in the future. The question remains: can innovation truly thrive without compromising privacy, or are these advancements inherently at odds with personal security?
#DigitalIdentity #BiometricData #PrivacyConcerns #Cryptocurrency #INNOVATION