China Security Ministry Warns of Foreign Agents Using Crypto Schemes to Collect Biometric Data
A recent advisory from China’s security ministry has raised concerns about foreign agents using cryptocurrency schemes to gather sensitive biometric data, such as iris scans, posing a threat to personal privacy and national security. The ministry warned that foreign intelligence agencies have been illegally harvesting facial data from targeted individuals to carry out espionage activities within China.
While the ministry did not explicitly name any specific firms, the description of the scheme closely resembles the model used by World, a crypto startup co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. World offers crypto tokens in exchange for users’ iris scans, claiming that they help verify unique identities and enable digital financial access, particularly in underserved markets.
The ministry highlighted a case in which a foreign company allegedly used cryptocurrency tokens as a guise to scan and collect iris data from users worldwide, transferring the data overseas. This raised concerns about both national security and individual privacy.
Biometric identification technologies have seen rapid adoption in recent years due to their speed and accuracy in verifying identities. However, the ministry warned that the increased use of these systems also comes with a heightened risk of data leaks and misuse. Foreign spies have been known to forge biometric information to gain access to classified materials or sensitive workplaces, posing significant threats to national security.
Iris patterns, in particular, are considered highly sensitive due to their stability and near impossibility to replicate. This makes them valuable for authentication in high-security environments but also makes them a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit this unique biometric data.
As biometric systems continue to expand across various sectors, the ministry advised citizens to exercise caution when sharing biometric data, especially for services involving facial, fingerprint, or iris recognition. Individuals have the right to question data collectors about how their information will be stored, processed, and used. It is essential to carefully review privacy policies and watch for signs of excessive data collection.
While the ministry did not propose new regulations, its advisory reflects growing concerns within China’s security establishment about the intersection of digital identity technologies and cross-border data transfers. This warning underscores the importance of safeguarding biometric data and remaining vigilant against potential misuse by foreign entities for surveillance purposes.
Overall, the ministry’s advisory serves as a reminder for individuals to be mindful of how their biometric data is being handled and to prioritize their privacy and security in an increasingly digital world.