After the recent news from China, which praised a general ban on crypto, a Chinese security minister warned that foreign companies use questionable cryptography regimes to collect biometric data, including IRIS scans, qualifying this threat to national security and violation of privacy.
In accordance with an article published on August 6, 2025 by the local Houndlet Global Times, the Chinese ministry has highlighted increasing concerns concerning biometric technology, citing recent cases in which foreign intelligence agencies have illustrated the facial data of individuals in China for spy purposes.
Although the ministry did not drop the names, the methodology described shared by the authorities closely resembles the approach of Worldcoin, an crypto startup co-founded by the CEO of Openai, Sam Altman.
China warns that Iris cryptocurrency projects represent the national security threat. Learn more about our article.
– Piece titles (@coinheadline) August 6, 2025
For those who do not know, the world, previously known as Worldcoin, offers cryptographic tokens to its users in exchange for their Iris scans. The founders launched the startup with the intention of using biometric processes to verify unique identities and extend digital financial access, especially in poorly served regions.
According to the ministry, an anonymous foreign company has exploited the distribution of cryptographic tokens to collect large amounts of IRIS data from users around the world. Once gathered, the information was sent abroad.
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Chinese officials develop a growing risk of biometric data leaks
The publication noted that biometric identification technologies, known for their speed and precision, have acquired mass acceptance in the past two years. In addition, officials have noted that even if these technologies are practical, they store and treat facial features, fingerprints, iris and, in some cases, body movements. With more and more people using this technology, the risk of data violation has only increased.
To assert their point of view, Chinese officials mentioned cases where foreign agents have manipulated biometric data to access sensitive information or penetrate secure facilities. For example, they mentioned a fingerprint payment system connected to a corporate database that has undergone constant security violations due to low cybersecurity protocols, resulting in significant exposure to data.
In addition, the ministry stressed that IRIS models are particularly sensitive because of their stability and their resistance to duplication, which makes them ideal for authentication in high security contexts.
However, due to their unique character, these are also lucrative targets for cybercriminals.
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The authorities advise citizens to close their data closely
Biometric technology gaining ground in various industries, ranging from financial immigration services, the Chinese public security ministry has expressed an opinion urging citizens to be more vigilant in this case.
In its opinion, the ministry advised citizens to be cautious when submitting biometric data, in particular for services involving facial analyzes, fingerprints or IRIS recognition.
He also stressed that citizens can demand the transparency of data collectors on how they store, process and use personal information, encouraged them to deeply examine privacy policies and warned them against signs of exceeding data collection practices.
In particular, no new regulatory measure has been introduced so far on this subject.
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Main to remember
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Chinese officials have warned citizens that foreign companies collect iris scans and transmit data abroad
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The rupture of methodology shared by the Chinese authorities aligns closely with Worldcoin, now World
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The Chinese authorities have not been appointed the company so far and have not incorporated any new regulatory measure on this subject
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