Hong Kong Orders Sam Altman's Worldcoin to Cease Operations Over Excessive Data Collection

May 22, 2024, 02:20 PM

Hong Kong's privacy regulator has ordered Worldcoin to cease all operations in the region, citing violations of local privacy laws. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) found that Worldcoin's collection of facial and iris images from 8,302 individuals was excessive and unjustified. The enforcement notice requires Worldcoin to stop using iris scanning devices immediately. The Hong Kong government ruled that Worldcoin's operations violated the Privacy Ordinance, deeming the data collection practices unlawful. The Worldcoin Foundation, led by Sam Altman, has been instructed to halt all activities in the jurisdiction.