Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner has issued an enforcement notice to Worldcoin, ordering the immediate cessation of its operations in the city. The decision comes after an investigation revealed that Worldcoin's practices violated the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

The investigation, which involved 10 covert visits to Worldcoin's operating locations, found that the collection of facial images was unnecessary for verifying the humanness of participants. The Privacy Commissioner also noted that Worldcoin failed to provide sufficient information to participants, preventing them from making informed decisions and giving genuine consent.

Furthermore, the Privacy Commissioner determined that Worldcoin's retention of sensitive biometric data, including facial and iris images, for up to 10 years solely for AI model training was unjustified. The investigation revealed that 8,302 individuals had their faces and irises scanned for verification during Worldcoin's operation in Hong Kong.

Worldcoin, which launched in 2021, has drawn the attention of regulators in various countries due to privacy concerns. The project has already faced suspensions of services in Kenya and pauses on iris scans in India.

The enforcement notice issued by Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner underscores the importance of protecting citizens' personal data privacy and the need for companies to adhere to strict data protection regulations. As Worldcoin navigates these challenges, it serves as a reminder for all organizations to prioritize data privacy and transparency in their operations.