The collection of iris data by a foreign company in exchange for cryptocurrency poses a national security threat, according to a warning from China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
In an official WeChat account, the agency reported instances where digital assets were used as bait for the mass collection of users’ iris data worldwide.
The MSS claims that the transfer of personal information “creates threats to both citizens’ privacy and national security.”
The document mentions an unspecified foreign company. Although the name is not provided, it appears to describe Worldcoin by Sam Altman.
Previously, his firm has faced regulatory scrutiny in several countries over privacy and data protection concerns.
According to the project’s website, its operations cover 160 countries, but China is not among them.
Iris recognition is a highly accurate biometric technology that is an attractive target for misuse. As the MSS notes, in the event of a leak, such “physiological keys” cannot be changed, unlike passwords.
“Despite the convenience of biometric identification, we must place great importance on its security and be cautious in sharing our data,” the agency asserts.
China has repeatedly warned of the dangers associated with cryptocurrencies. Last month, the financial regulator in Shenzhen issued a warning about fraudulent schemes disguised as investments in stablecoins and other digital assets.
In July, digital identity cards for online use were launched in China.