Michaela
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has directed Sam Altman’s World project to halt operations and erase 1.2 million iris scans, intensifying regulatory scrutiny of the digital identity initiative.
Key Points
- Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has directed Sam Altman’s World project to halt operations and erase 1
- 2 million iris scans, intensifying regulatory scrutiny of the digital identity initiative
- The decision followed a high-level meeting led by Minister Chaichanok Chidchob
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) announced that a formal directive from the NESDB found World’s iris-for-token program in violation of Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). The decision followed a high-level meeting led by Minister Chaichanok Chidchob.
“The PDPA orders the suspension and deletion of data of 1.2 million individuals in the case of iris scans for coins not complying with the PDPA,” the announcement wrote. The statement indicated that World’s practice of exchanging iris scans for WLD tokens violated PDPA regulations concerning the collection, storage, and disclosure of sensitive biometric data.
Thailand’s latest enforcement represents the most stringent action against World to date, building on an October raid at a World-affiliated iris scanning center in Bangkok. Conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the operation led to arrests connected to an unlicensed digital asset exchange handling WLD token transactions.
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Investigators determined that operators were providing exchange services without authorization under Thailand’s Digital Asset Business Emergency Decree, putting users at risk of fraud and money laundering. Officials said the case underscores wider concerns about unregulated cryptocurrency activity linked to the World project’s rapidly growing identity network.
Thailand is not the only country to halt World’s biometric data operations. In May, the Kenyan High Court ordered World to permanently delete biometric data collected without proper assessment and prohibited the company from using cryptocurrency incentives, noting that its practices may have violated Section 31 of Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
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Indonesian authorities have also stepped in to suspend Altman’s World operations, citing potential violations of local regulations. Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision, noted that the action followed reports of “suspicious activity” linked to the project. Officials highlighted that PT Terang Bulan Abadi, World’s Indonesian subsidiary, had not registered as an Electronic System Organizer (PSE) and lacked the required Electronic System Organizer Registration Certificate (TDPSE), a mandatory compliance measure under Indonesian law.
MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
