China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a warning about the national security risks posed by crypto projects using eye-scanning biometric data, particularly iris scanning, to distribute digital assets.
The MSS highlighted that such projects may threaten personal privacy and national security due to improper data storage and transfer, which could lead to data leaks and misuse by foreign entities.
The warning appears to target foreign companies, implicitly referencing Sam Altman's Worldcoin, which collects iris data in exchange for crypto tokens globally. This biometric data, once compromised, is almost impossible to change, making it a high-risk target for espionage and surveillance.
The MSS also emphasized cases where facial recognition data misuses allowed foreign intelligence to infiltrate critical workplaces.
The primary concerns include:
Irreversible nature of iris data leaks.
Potential for foreign intelligence agencies to exploit biometric data for espionage operations.
The broader threat to both personal privacy and national security.
The transfer of sensitive biometric data overseas by crypto projects under the guise of issuing tokens.
China’s advisory underscores a cautious approach to biometric identification technologies and highlights the need for stringent security measures when providing such personal information.
This warning aligns with global regulatory scrutiny faced by biometric crypto projects, reflecting broader concerns about privacy, data security, and surveillance risks associated with the fusion of biometric technology and cryptocurrency incentives.
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