Thailand Suspends Worldcoin Amidst Data Security Concerns

Worldcoin is facing fresh challenges in Thailand following orders by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to cease operation. The agency said the suspension follows violations of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), further damaging the project’s already fragile reputation.

According to a news release by the ministry, Worldcoin has also been ordered to erase the data of 1.2 million users for using iris scans to exchange coins. This makes Thailand the latest country to suspend the project after Brazil which shut down its operations in January.

Worldcoin Faces Fresh Ethical Challenge

Worldcoin has faced several hurdles around ethical violations concerning its project. Launched in 2023, the project requires that users scan their iris in exchange for the native token, WLD. While the project was wildly successful at launch, things went south fast as the eye-scanning requirement began to get regulators’ attention.

Shortly after its launch, experts expressed reservations concerning the project. They warned that scanning irises for crypto was too invasive and that the database could be hacked, leading to data leakage.

More trouble followed in 2024 when many countries placed a ban on the project due to privacy concerns. Worldcoin was banned in France, Brazil, India, and many others. All in rapid succession, many of which also sued the company for violations.

The International Commission of Jurists — a non-governmental organization that promotes and protects human rights — in Kenya where Worldcoin was first suspended, also asserted in January this year that beyond privacy, Worldcoin violates the human rights of those using it. With the new suspension in Thailand, more trouble may be brewing for the project.

WLD Rallies Despite Suspension

The crypto market has resumed a rally led by Bitcoin which has risen well above $89,000 at the time of this report. WLD has also gained 6% in 24 hours despite the suspension placed on the company and the uncertainties that follow.

Interestingly, WLD has a history of defying controversies and soaring in spite of challenges. It reached its all-time high of over $9 in 2024 when the project faced the most intense battles, according to Coinmarketcap data. Per one crypto analyst, this rally could be taking the price to at least $5 if things continue in the right direction. 

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