South Korea’s watchdog for personal information, the Personal Information Protection Commission, announced the start of an investigation into Worldcoin. The inquiry focuses on worries about privacy linked to the collection of facial and iris recognition data. This decision follows various reports that Worldcoin might be gathering personal details such as iris information without user consent.
Investigation Details and Worldcoin’s Response
The investigation aims to examine closely how Worldcoin processes and stores personal data. This decision came after discoveries of the company collecting facial and iris recognition data at around ten locations within South Korea. The authorities have stated their intention to enforce relevant regulations strictly if they find any misconduct. Worldcoin, however, has not yet responded to these developments.
This probe by South Korea follows a similar path taken by Hong Kong’s privacy authority. The Hong Kong Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data recently searched six locations tied to Worldcoin due to concerns over its iris-scanning technology. There’s anxiety that such practices might violate laws designed to protect sensitive personal information.
Worldcoin has seen a rapid increase in its user base, reporting over five million account registrations by December 2023. Its expansion into Singapore and other global markets highlights the growing interest in digital identity technologies. Nevertheless, this growth has led to increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide, including in France, where privacy concerns are also escalating.