SEC Bans Worldcoin Iris Scans, Cites 5 for Illegal Digital Asset Business

MGR Online•Economy•234d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's SEC is taking strong legal action against Worldcoin operations, citing five individuals for operating an illegal digital asset business involving iris scans.

•The SEC, in collaboration with other agencies, has launched an operation against Worldcoin's iris-scanning scheme for digital coins.
•Five individuals have been formally charged for operating an unlicensed digital asset business, with potential jail time and fines.
•An order has been issued to halt the collection of iris data and to destroy any already collected data by November 24, 2025.
•The SEC is closely monitoring World App and Mini App, with potential legal action if they are found to be operating without a license.

Overview

•In October 2025, the SEC, in collaboration with Cyber Police, raided illegal iris scanning service points.
•On November 24, 2025, the Personal Data Protection Committee ordered the suspension and destruction of collected iris data.
•On January 9, 2026, the SEC filed charges against 5 individuals for operating an unlicensed digital asset business.
•The SEC declared it has escalated investigations to full enforcement to protect investors from unseen risks.
•The operation targets the collection of iris data in exchange for Worldcoin (WLD) cryptocurrency due to security and personal data risks.
•The order to destroy collected iris data aims to prevent misuse of Thai citizens' biometric information.
•The SEC is investigating World App and Mini App for unlicensed digital asset business operations.
•The SEC warns the public that exchanging iris data for digital currency is risky and may lead to involvement in money laundering.

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Key Quotes

Pornanong Busararatkul

"The SEC is not idle and has escalated investigations to full enforcement to protect investors from unseen risks."

ก.ล.ต. ไม่ได้นิ่งนอนใจ และได้ยกระดับการตรวจสอบสู่ขั้น “บังคับใช้กฎหมาย” (Enforcement) อย่างเต็มรูปแบบ เพื่อปกป้องนักลงทุนจากความเสี่ยงที่มองไม่เห็น

Pornanong Busararatkul

"There's no such thing as a free lunch. Exchanging iris data for digital coins might not be worth the risk and could lead to unwitting involvement in money laundering."

ของฟรีไม่มีในโลก การเอาข้อมูลม่านตาไปแลกกับเหรียญดิจิทัล อาจได้ไม่คุ้มเสีย และเสี่ยงต่อการเข้าไปพัวพันกับกระบวนการฟอกเงินโดยไม่รู้ตัว

Key Entities

Organization

SEC(ก.ล.ต.)ℹ️

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand, which is leading the crackdown on Worldcoin operations.

DE-Cyber-DSI(ดีอี-ไซเบอร์-ดีเอสไอ)

Agencies collaborating with the SEC in the operation against Worldcoin, likely referring to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Cyber Police, and the Department of Special Investigation.

Cyber Police (BCSA)(ตำรวจไซเบอร์ (บช.สอท.))

The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) that partnered with the SEC in raiding illegal iris scanning service points.

Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD)(กองบังคับการปราบปรามการกระทำความผิดเกี่ยวกับอาชญากรรมทางเศรษฐกิจ (บก.ปอศ.))

The police division to which the SEC filed charges against the five individuals involved in the Worldcoin scheme.

Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC)(สำนักงานคณะกรรมการคุ้มครองข้อมูลส่วนบุคคล (สคส.))

The committee that issued an order to suspend and destroy collected iris data from Worldcoin operations.

World App

A primary application within the Worldcoin ecosystem that the SEC is investigating for unlicensed digital asset operations.

Mini App

A component of the Worldcoin ecosystem being scrutinized for potential unlicensed digital asset business activities.

Law

Worldcoin (WLD) coin(เหรียญ Worldcoin (WLD))

The digital currency given in exchange for iris scans, which is central to the SEC's investigation.

Royal Decree on Digital Asset... Act(พ.ร.ก. สินทรัพย์ดิจิทัลฯ)

The relevant Thai legislation under which individuals were charged for operating an unlicensed digital asset business.

SEC Check First

A mobile application provided by the SEC for the public to verify licensed digital asset businesses before investing.

Person

Pornanong Busararatkul(นางพรอนงค์ บุษราตระกูล)

The Secretary-General of the Thai SEC, who announced the progress and legal actions against Worldcoin.