China identifies as national security threat

By Hannah Pérez

The Ministry of State Security of China warned about the national security risks associated with the collection of biometric data, specifically iris scanning, in exchange for cryptocurrencies as World.

***

Ministry of State Security of China warned about the risks associated with biometric data collection.
He assured that there are cases in which foreign entities make improper use of biometric data to infiltrate.
Although he did not specifically name World, he seemed to make direct elusion.
He mentioned a case of a foreign company that uses cryptocurrencies to scan and collect IRIS data.

The Chinese government has issued a warning about the improper compilation of biometric data, mentioning foreign companies that scan the IRIS in exchange for cryptocurrencies in what seems to be clearly a wink to the project World.

The Ministry of State Security of China published a message in its official Wechat account on Tuesday, in which it warned of national security risks associated with biometric data collection.

In the publication, the government agency reflects on biometric identification technology and its benefits in the digital age, although it focuses on expressly noting on the “leak risks“That these systems can represent; particularly given the improper use of biometric data by foreign companies.

There are cases in which “foreign espionage intelligence agencies illegally steal facial information data“Of objective individuals and the”They counterfeit information and even infiltrate confidential places“, Said the government in the notice, mentioning facial recognition, the reading of footprints and the eye scanner as forms of data collection.

“Inadequate preservation of relevant data can cause leaks, which not only endanger personal privacy and property security, but can also cause damage to national security”Said the authority.

China warns about World, but does not name it

Beijing’s notice addresses iris scan by identifying that this type of data is used in areas of “High security“Due to its nature of”High precision and singularity“. These characteristics make a criminal focus on the iris data and seek to steal them “Under smart pretexts”the ministry continued.

In this regard, the Chinese authority affirmed that documented cases reveal that a foreign company has exploited the attractiveness of cryptocurrency distributions to systematically scan and systematically collect user data data on a global scale.

“There are “public cases” that show that a foreign company uses the emission of cryptocurrency tokens such as a trick to scan and collect information from the iris of users worldwide and transfer data sources, data sources, which represents a threat to the security of personal information and even national security“

Although the agency did not explicitly appoint Sam Altman’s project in its publication, the description seems to be a reference to Worldpreviously known as Worldcoin.

World lifts controversy in the world

Founded by Altman, –CEO of OpenAI–, World promotes a model of identity verification based on Blockchain. The startup facilitates an ID verification system that works with eye scan to provide a unique code to each person, allowing them to demonstrate that they are human and not robots. Use your own ocular scan modules, called Orb.

Those who accept scanning to register at the World ID can receive a handful of native tokens of the project. The central principle of the initiative is to build an infrastructure that can distinguish humans from robberies in the AI era.

World He claims to have registered more than 14 million people in more than 160 countries around the world; But not before raising controversy. The project has faced regulatory scrutiny in countries such as Germany, France and Kenya.

In multiple jurisdictions, regulators have suspended the operations of World Due to concerns about informed consent, data storage and surveillance potential, as was the case of Indonesia last month.

Cryptocurrencies are vetoed in China

Beijing’s notice is not isolated, since the local government He has repeatedly warned about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies. Last month, Shenzhen’s financial control agency He issued A warning against fraudulent schemes disguised as investments in stable currencies and other cryptocurrency assets, as reported The Block.

China has adopted a strict position towards cryptocurrencies, prioritizing centralized financial control. For years, Asian power has maintained an integral prohibition that covers all activities related to cryptocurrency as Bitcoinincluding trade, mining and individual possession of said assets.

Hannah Estefanía Pérez / Diariobitcoin

Image of Unspash

WARNING: Diariobitcoin offers informative and educational content on various topics, including cryptocurrencies, AI, technology and regulations. We do not provide financial advice. Cryptactive investments are high risk and may not be adequate for all. Investigate, consult an expert and verify the applicable legislation before investing. I could lose all its capital.