Thailand Orders Sam Altman’s Worldcoin to Destroy 1.2 Million Iris Scans in Major Privacy Crackdown

• Why is Thailand forcing Worldcoin to delete biometric data?
• How widespread is the backlash against Worldcoin?
• What does this mean for Worldcoin's future?
• Frequently Asked Questions

In a dramatic move, Thai authorities have demanded the immediate destruction of 1.2 million iris scans collected by Worldcoin, the controversial digital identity project co-founded by OpenAI's Sam Altman. This enforcement action marks the latest regulatory setback for the biometric data collection initiative that's facing growing global scrutiny. The Thai government's stern directive comes amid rising concerns about personal data protection in the AI era, forcing Worldcoin to suspend all operations in the country while its native token WLD continues its downward spiral, having lost 70% of its value this year.

Why is Thailand forcing Worldcoin to delete biometric data?

The Thai Economic and Social Development Council dropped the hammer this week, ordering Worldcoin to cease operations immediately for alleged violations of the country's Personal Data Protection Act. The project's Core mechanic - scanning users' irises in exchange for WLD tokens - attracted 1.2 million Thai participants but now faces existential legal challenges. This isn't Thailand's first clash with Worldcoin; police raided a Bangkok scanning center last October over suspected digital asset law violations. The current order from Thailand's Digital Economy and Society Ministry leaves no wiggle room: destroy all collected biometric data immediately.

Worldcoin's local operator, TIDC Worldverse, announced the suspension of verifications on social media platform X while maintaining its innocence. "This decision comes despite our compliance with local laws and regulations," the company stated, revealing the widening gap between its legal interpretation and Thailand's regulatory stance. The platform warns this MOVE will negatively impact millions relying on its technology for fraud and identity theft prevention.

How widespread is the backlash against Worldcoin?

Thailand represents just the tip of the regulatory iceberg for Worldcoin. Since its July 2023 launch, the project has faced mounting global resistance:

• Indonesia launched an investigation into suspicious activities in May 2025
• Germany, Kenya, and Brazil have all raised alarms about biometric data security
• The WLD token has plummeted 70% year-to-date, now trading at $0.71

This growing skepticism reflects worldwide concern about protecting highly sensitive iris data. Worldcoin claims it never stores raw scans on its Orb devices, generating only anonymized codes instead. "World doesn't use centralized biometric infrastructure," the company emphasized last May. But these technical assurances fail to satisfy regulators increasingly wary of anonymization promises.

What does this mean for Worldcoin's future?

The Thai suspension could prove pivotal for Worldcoin's troubled trajectory. Sam Altman, already juggling challenges at OpenAI, now faces an escalating global regulatory battle over biometric data collection. Market reactions tell their own story - WLD's 6% weekly drop and catastrophic annual performance reflect investor anxiety about the project's economic model under constant regulatory fire.

As trading data from BTCC and TradingView shows, Worldcoin's token has become increasingly volatile amid these developments. The project stands at a crossroads between technological innovation and privacy protection, with Thailand unlikely to be the last country shutting its doors. With public trust eroding globally, Worldcoin must fundamentally rethink its approach or risk becoming another cautionary tale in the volatile crypto landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Thailand order Worldcoin to delete iris scans?

Thai regulators determined Worldcoin violated the country's Personal Data Protection Act through its collection of 1.2 million iris scans, demanding immediate destruction of this biometric data.

How has Worldcoin's token performed recently?

The WLD token has dropped 6% in the past week and 70% over the past year, currently trading around $0.71 according to CoinMarketCap data.

Which other countries have taken action against Worldcoin?

Indonesia, Germany, Kenya, and Brazil have all launched investigations or expressed concerns about Worldcoin's biometric data practices.

Does Worldcoin store actual iris images?

The company claims it only generates anonymized codes from scans rather than storing raw iris images, though regulators remain skeptical of these assurances.