The Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner ruled that Worldcoin violated privacy regulations and ordered it to stop collecting iris and facial images
ChainCatcher message, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner has completed its investigation into the Worldcoin project. Privacy Commissioner Zhong Liling has ruled that Worldcoin's operations in Hong Kong violate the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and has issued an enforcement notice requiring the cessation of the collection of citizens' iris and facial images using iris scanning devices.The investigation results show that Worldcoin violated the principles of data collection, retention, transparency, access, and correction of personal data under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. The collection of facial and iris images is not necessary and is excessive; regarding Worldcoin's retention of personal data for up to 10 years for training AI models for identity verification, the office considers this duration excessive and constitutes over-retention of personal data.