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AIAAIC-1408

South Korea privacy watchdog investigates Worldcoin

South Korea's Personal Information Protection Committee (PIPC) initiated an investigation into Worldcoin following a series of complaints about the manner in which the company was collecting sensitive data from users. The PIPC announced its investigation into Worldcoin would look into 'the overall collection and processing of sensitive information and overseas transfer of personal information under the Personal Information Protection Act.' It also noted that Worldcoin and ‘affiliates’ are reportedly collecting facial and iris data in 10 locations across South Korea, and that it would take action 'if violations are found.' The investigation comes in the wake of enforcement actions against the biometric cryptocurrency project in Hong Kong and Kenya . System 🤖 Worldcoin iris biometrics Operator: Tools for Humanity/Worldcoin Developer: Tools for Humanity/Worldcoin Country: S Korea Sector: Banking/financial services Purpose: Develop digital identity Technology: Iris scanning; Facial detection; Vital signs detection; Blockchain; Virtual currency Issue: Privacy; Security Regulation ⚖️ Personal Information Protection Act Legal, regulatory 👩🏼‍⚖️ https://www.pipc.go.kr/np/cop/bbs/selectBoardArticle.do?bbsId=BS074&mCode=C020010000&nttId=9963#LINK

Date it happened
2024-02-01
Organisation involved
Tools for Humanity/Worldcoin
Product, system or model
Worldcoin
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