Sam Altman
Dear reader,
Privacy laws have been violated by Sam Altman-led Worldcoin cryptocurrency project in Hong Kong, causing significant backlash.
The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) in the city criticized Worldcoin for excessive and unnecessary collection of biometric data, including iris and face scans, labeling it as invasive and unjustified. While the data collection aims to provide users with a unique digital identity known as a “World ID,” it has sparked serious privacy concerns globally.
Investigations by the PCPD revealed that over 8,000 individuals in Hong Kong had their biometric data collected without sufficient transparency and informed consent. The enforcement notice issued by the privacy watchdog demands an immediate cessation of these activities, highlighting the severe consequences of data breaches.
Privacy issues have also led to the suspension of Worldcoin’s operations in other countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Kenya.
Despite Worldcoin’s assurances of secure and encrypted data handling, the PCPD criticized the project’s extended data retention plans and highlighted the legal risks of non-compliance with the enforcement notice, which could result in heavy fines and imprisonment.
This controversy emphasizes the critical need for stringent data protection standards in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Sainul,
Editor.
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NEWS & ANALYSIS
Sam Altman’s crypto project halted in HK over privacy concerns
The Worldcoin cryptocurrency project, led by Sam Altman, violated Hong Kong’s privacy laws by requiring excessive eye and face scans, the city’s privacy watchdog declared on Wednesday.
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