Thailand Orders Worldcoin to Shut Down and Erase User Data
Thailand’s data protection regulator on Nov. 26 ordered Worldcoin to suspend its local operations and erase user data, pointing to alleged data protection breaches and growing worries over the project’s iris-scanning identity collection. Authorities said the risks to personal data and insufficient safeguards justify an immediate halt and removal of biometrics gathered in the country, presenting a direct challenge to Worldcoin’s core onboarding method.
The decision matters because it tests whether biometric-heavy crypto projects can scale amid stricter national data rules. Beyond potential legal penalties, the order could reduce user trust, complicate Worldcoin’s rollout and put downward pressure on the WLD token. Observers say the case may encourage other regulators to take similar action and force Worldcoin to adjust its data practices or face broader enforcement across jurisdictions.