NPC orders iris-scanning World App to stop operations

Following issues and concerns raised regarding the iris-scanning feature of the World App, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) orders Tools for Humanity, the developer behind the World App, to stop operations immediately.

In the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) issued by NPC, they pointed concerns regarding the personal data collection practices of the World App. Among these concerns include World App’s association with the World Coin crypto, which “faced bans and investigations in other countries due to privacy concerns and unethical data collection practices.

Other red flags that the NPC found with the World App is that their website has no privacy policy and that Tools for Humanity claims to “have a ‘legitimate business purpose'” despite not giving any specifics on their intent with creating a World Ecosystem.

For context, World App was operating in Bulacan, Cubao, and Greenhills, and those who have their irises scanned get World Coin crypto in return, which they can exchange for up to Php 3,000. There’s also a referral system where people can earn money if they refer their friends to have their irises scanned.

“The CID (Complaints and Investigation Division) likewise alleged that the collection of biometric data by World App is detrimental to national security. or public interest and that a CDO is necessary to preserve and protect the rights of data subjects,” the NPC said in its press release.

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