September 12, 2024
By Our Correspondent
Singapore is currently examining the activities associated with Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency initiative led by Sam Altman that employs iris scans for user identification.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has clarified that Worldcoin does not fall under the regulations of the Payment Services Act 2019.
Nevertheless, individuals involved in the commercial buying or selling of Worldcoin accounts and tokens may be in breach of the Act.
Ongoing police investigations are focusing on seven individuals suspected of providing such services.
There are prevalent misconceptions regarding the digitalization of banking. A public advisory has been released, warning against the sale or transfer of Worldcoin accounts due to the risk of misuse for criminal activities, including money laundering and financing of terrorism.
In terms of data privacy, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has stressed the necessity for stringent data protection protocols for organizations managing biometric data, such as the iris scanning technology utilized by Worldcoin.
Consumers in Singapore are advised to remain vigilant and avoid transferring access to their digital payment token wallets or World IDs, as these could be misappropriated by unauthorized parties for illegal activities.
These developments in Singapore occur within a larger context of global scrutiny of Worldcoin’s operations, including in Hong Kong, where the project has recently encountered significant privacy issues.
The Hong Kong Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has reportedly determined that Worldcoin violated privacy regulations, particularly concerning the collection and utilization of biometric data without adequate consent and protective measures.
Consequently, the Privacy Commissioner in Hong Kong has issued an enforcement notice to the Worldcoin Foundation, mandating the immediate cessation of all iris and facial image collection activities in the region.