- Thailand’s SEC raids a site linked to World’s WLD exchange over alleged unlicensed operations.
- Regulators in Germany, Kenya, Brazil, and Indonesia are also probing World’s biometric crypto model.
- Global scrutiny grows over the use of iris-scan data as World faces new compliance challenges.
World, the digital identity initiative led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and formerly known as Worldcoin, has encountered fresh regulatory problems in Thailand.
Authorities carried out a raid at an iris-scanning location alleged to be connected to the platform, highlighting rising global scrutiny of biometric-based cryptocurrency projects.
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), working with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), announced that it raided a site associated with “WLD exchange services.” Investigators believe the operator may have breached digital-asset laws by running an unlicensed exchange.
Official records indicate that World operates 102 “orb” locations in Thailand where users scan their irises to obtain a “World ID” and receive WLD, the project’s native token. Each verified participant receives WLD as a reward for proving their human identity, but the SEC’s intervention raises questions about whether these activities comply with Thailand’s licensing framework.
Thai authorities cite unlicensed digital-asset activity
The SEC and CCIB stated that the raid uncovered evidence suggesting the site offered exchange-related services without authorization. A suspect has been arrested and is expected to face charges under Thailand’s digital-asset regulations. Authorities emphasized that any entity offering digital-asset services—including token distribution or exchange functions—must obtain a license from the Ministry of Finance and register with the SEC.
World maintains that it only operates in jurisdictions where its activities are legally permitted. The company’s site notes that eligibility for WLD tokens is limited by geography, age, and other factors, and that World is not responsible for trading of WLD on third-party centralized or decentralized exchanges.
Growing global pressure on biometric crypto models
The Thailand raid adds to a series of international investigations into the World project, which launched in July 2023. Regulators in Germany, Kenya, Brazil, and Indonesia have previously raised concerns about data privacy and licensing.
In May, Indonesia’s Digital Ministry said it was investigating local World operators for possible registration violations and suspicious activities; World paused its verification services there while clarifying licensing requirements. In Germany, data protection authorities have warned that biometric information like iris scans could pose serious risks if not properly anonymized or securely stored. Kenya temporarily suspended World’s local operations last year amid privacy and security concerns after thousands queued for iris scans in exchange for free tokens. Brazilian officials have also sought greater transparency about how biometric data is collected and retained during World’s verification process.
Worldcoin faces ongoing compliance challenges
Since its launch, World has marketed itself as an ambitious attempt to build a global digital identity network to verify people’s humanity in an era of advanced AI and deepfakes. The WLD token was created to reward individuals who opt into the system and to foster an ecosystem of verified human users.
However, the project’s rapid expansion—particularly in developing markets—has provoked criticism. Observers argue that fast onboarding in regions with weaker regulatory oversight can expose vulnerable populations to privacy and legal risks.
Despite these concerns, World continues to operate in more than 30 countries with hundreds of orb devices deployed worldwide. The project states that operations are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with local laws, but recent enforcement actions suggest the consistency of that review varies by jurisdiction.
Thailand’s SEC has not detailed the full scope of the suspected violations, but the arrest points to a firmer enforcement approach as the country tightens oversight of crypto-related businesses. This development may prompt World and other biometric-based crypto projects to adopt stricter compliance measures and clearer legal frameworks before pursuing further expansion in Asia.