PDPC to monitor Worldcoin amidst privacy concerns

It will also work with international counterparts as necessary.

The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) will continue to monitor Worldcoin's collection, use, and disclosure of personal data, including biometrics, and may take action if violations of the Personal Data Protection Act are found. 

The PDPC is also ready to work with international counterparts as necessary, based on developments in other jurisdictions.

The move follows after the Singapore Police put seven individuals under investigation for allegedly buying or selling of Worldcoin accounts and tokens, potentially violating the Payment Services Act 2019. The Monetary Authority of Singapore recently advised consumers to be cautious about sharing personal information as a result of this.

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information emphasised that organisations handling biometric data must implement safeguards to mitigate risks and obtain user consent before data collection. 

It also warned that biometric data, if misused by malicious actors, is difficult to remedy due to its immutability.