World’s Iris-Scanning Halted in Thailand as Officials Demand Data Destruction

Thailand has ordered World, the biometric ID project backed by Sam Altman, to halt all iris-scanning operations and erase 1.2 million biometric records following violations of the country’s data protection law.

Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Committee issued the directive on Nov. 24, saying World failed to secure proper consent and posed heightened risks by storing sensitive iris data, which had been collected in exchange for the project’s WLD cryptocurrency tokens. Officials said the program leaned on economically vulnerable groups and did not offer clear, voluntary participation, with regulators framing the initiative as a potential vector for identity theft and unlawful biometric exploitation. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society stressed concerns over cross-border data transfers and possible misuse, referring the case to the Department of Special Investigation for additional probes.

World, formerly Worldcoin, said it would comply with the order, though the deletion process remains under review by Thai authorities. The crackdown arrives as the project faces rising scrutiny in Asia after suspensions in Kenya and Indonesia, intensifying global debate over biometric data collection tied to crypto incentives. Privacy advocates have hailed Thailand’s move as a needed check on biometric capitalism, while crypto proponents argue regulators are stifling innovation.

FAQ ❓

• Why did Thailand block World’s iris scans? Regulators said the project violated consent rules and mishandled sensitive biometric data.
• How many iris scans must be deleted? Authorities ordered the destruction of roughly 1.2 million biometric records collected in Thailand.
• What law did World allegedly violate? Officials cited breaches of Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act.