Biometric crypto project Worldcoin (WLD) has issued a response to the recent order from Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD), which demanded the company cease its local operations due to alleged violations of the Privacy Ordinance. Worldcoin refuted these allegations, emphasizing its focus on verifying users’ humanity and uniqueness without distributing or profiting from personal information.
Worldcoin’s Response to Privacy Allegations
In its statement, Worldcoin highlighted that its primary goal is to authenticate users’ human identities through its World ID system, a secure and private digital passport. The company stressed that it does not seek to collect or misuse personal data.
https://x.com/worldcoin/status/1793261059211424253
Enhancing Transparency and Security in 2024
Worldcoin also detailed its 2024 initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, privacy, and security. In March, the company launched Personal Custody, ensuring that data used for iris code creation during World ID verification remains on the user’s device. By April, World ID holders were given the option to unverify their World ID, allowing for the permanent deletion of their iris code.
https://x.com/martypartymusic/status/1793299888425374203
In May, Worldcoin introduced its Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) system, a cryptographic advancement in biometric verification. This system divides iris codes into parts and distributes them among several trusted entities, eliminating the need for a central server.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Global Investigations
The PCPD’s directive followed extensive investigations, including ten covert inspections of six Worldcoin facilities between December 2023 and January 2024. These inspections raised concerns about the company’s data collection practices.
Founded in 2023 by Tools for Humanity, Worldcoin aims to be a “privacy-preserving” solution for digital identity authentication, using iris scanning technology. Despite its innovative approach, Worldcoin has faced scrutiny from regulators in several countries, including Kenya, Britain, Germany, and most recently, South Korea, where the Personal Information Protection Commission has launched an investigation following complaints about the project’s data collection methods.
As Worldcoin navigates these regulatory challenges, it continues to advocate for its mission of secure and private digital identity verification.
