Sam Altman Ordered to Delete 1.2M Iris Scans As Thai Regulators Reject 'Token-For-Iris' Model

Source: CoinEdition Original Title: Sam Altman Ordered to Delete 1.2M Iris Scans As Thai Regulators Reject ‘Token-For-Iris’ Model Original Link: https://coinedition.com/thailand-orders-deletion-of-1-2-million-iris-scans-collected-by-sam-altman-project/

Overview

• Regulators ordered World (formerly Worldcoin) to delete 1.2 million biometric records.
• The ruling states that exchanging iris scans for crypto tokens violates Thai data laws.
• Local partners warn the deletion could cost users $31 million in lost assets.

Thai regulators have ordered Sam Altman’s World project to permanently delete 1.2 million iris scan records. The Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) ruled that the company’s data collection practices violated national privacy laws. This directive forces an immediate suspension of World’s biometric operations in the country.

The decision intensifies the global debate over biometric security. It challenges the model of using digital tokens to incentivize identity verification.

The Ruling: Why ‘Token-for-Iris’ Swaps Were Banned

The PDPC concluded that World’s collection methods breached the Personal Data Protection Act. Regulators specifically targeted the link between iris scans and cryptocurrency rewards. They argued this incentive structure invalidates genuine consent for sensitive data collection. Consequently, the committee directed the company to stop operations and erase the stored records.

World paused services in Thailand after the order. Company representatives argued that the shutdown disrupted users who depend on digital ID tools for fraud prevention. Besides, the decision came shortly after local authorities raided a separate unlicensed crypto operation.

Officials arrested suspects unrelated to World or its parent company. However, the raid increased attention on digital asset compliance, especially among projects combining identity and token incentives.

The $31 Million Fallout: Local Partners Fight Back

An executive from M Vision sought to overturn the deletion order, claiming that users could lose $31 million if regulators enforced the mandate.

This challenge highlights the tension between data protection and financial rights. Users who enrolled early now face the permanent loss of their accrued rewards if the deletion proceeds.

Market Reaction: WLD Token Volatility Persists

The regulatory crackdown has triggered warnings from local exchanges. Several major platforms urged customers to exercise caution when trading the WLD token.

WLD traded at $0.6546 as of press time, reflecting a 3.40% daily gain against a 2.7% weekly decline. The token’s market cap stood at $1.53 billion, with 2.4 billion WLD in circulation and $90.38 million in 24-hour volume.