Sam Altman Backed Digital ID Project World Forced to Halt Operations in Thailand A digital identity startup called World, which is supported by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has been ordered to cease its operations in Thailand and delete the biometric data it collected. The order came from the Thai government, which found the company’s activities violated the country’s data protection laws. The project, known as Worldcoin, had been scanning people’s irises in exchange for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency. This initiative had reportedly gathered significant interest in Thailand, with over 1.2 million iris scans collected from Thai citizens. The process involved using spherical devices to capture high-resolution images of an individual’s iris, the colored part of the eye, to create a unique digital identifier. Authorities in Thailand, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, moved to investigate the company after concerns were raised about the collection and use of such sensitive personal information. The main issue centered on whether the company had obtained proper consent and had a lawful basis for processing this highly sensitive biometric data. Following the investigation, the Thai government issued a formal directive for Worldcoin to immediately stop its data collection activities within the country. The order specifically mandates that the company must delete all personal data it has already gathered from Thai residents, including the 1.2 million iris scans. The authorities cited clear violations of Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act, which sets strict rules for how companies can collect, use, and store personal information, with special provisions for sensitive data like biometrics. In response to the government’s order, Tools for Humanity, the company behind the Worldcoin project, confirmed it has temporarily suspended its orb operations in Thailand. A spokesperson for the company stated they are fully committed to cooperating with the Thai authorities and are working to address their concerns. The company expressed its intention to find a path forward that aligns with local regulations, emphasizing its goal to provide a safe and lawful service. The situation in Thailand is part of a broader pattern of regulatory challenges facing the Worldcoin project in various countries. Since its launch, the ambitious plan to create a global digital identity network has drawn scrutiny from data privacy watchdogs across Europe, Africa, and now Asia. Regulators in nations like Portugal, Spain, and Kenya have also taken action, issuing temporary bans and launching investigations into the project’s data handling practices. The core concern shared by many regulators is the project’s model of collecting vast amounts of highly sensitive biometric information. Iris scans are considered uniquely personal and permanent, unlike a password that can be changed. A data breach involving such information could have irreversible consequences for individuals. Critics argue that the promise of free cryptocurrency may not constitute informed and voluntary consent, especially when the long-term implications of handing over one’s biometric data are not fully clear. This regulatory pushback in Thailand and elsewhere highlights the growing tension between innovative, large-scale technological projects and established data privacy frameworks. As companies like Worldcoin seek to roll out global systems, they are increasingly encountering robust local laws designed to protect citizens. The outcome of this particular case will be closely watched as a significant test case for how biometric data collection for digital identity and cryptocurrency rewards can be reconciled with strict personal data protection standards. For now, the orbs are silent in Thailand as the company and regulators seek a resolution.
