In a February 20, 2025 advisory, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) warned Filipinos to be cautious about iris scanning for cryptocurrency, emphasizing that it does not authorize or approve such data collection.
However, the advisory and a related Facebook post to it have since been deleted, raising questions about the agency’s stance on the issue. The NPC has not yet provided an explanation for the removal.
This is what NPC’s website displays when visiting the address https://privacy.gov.ph/npc-warns-public-on-iris-scanning-for-cryptocurrency/:
Meanwhile, here is the display of the website when the link is embedded in a document:
BitPinas has reached out to the NPC for clarification.
National Privacy Commission Statement
Before the deletion, the NPC stated:
“The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is urging the public to exercise caution following reports of individuals in Bulacan undergoing iris scans in exchange for cryptocurrency. The NPC emphasizes that it does not authorize, approve, or clear any activities involving the collection or processing of personal information, including biometric data, for such purposes.”
The advisory also appeared on the episode of TV show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho when it first aired.
- The NPC also highlighted that under the Data Privacy Act, biometric data is sensitive and, if misused, can lead to identity theft and fraud. It urged the public to verify data collectors’ registration and understand how their information will be used and stored.
- Moreover, the NPC noted that it was actively monitoring these activities and encouraged reports of potential data misuse via sprint@privacy.gov.ph.
NPC’s Previous Stance on Worldcoin
Previously, the NPC clarified to BitPinas that it does not approve or clear Worldcoin’s iris-scanning activities but only issues certificates of registration.
- In connection to this report, in an early February Facebook post, Worldcoin legal counsel Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz emphasized that Worldcoin’s iris-scanning process in Bulacan complies with data privacy laws, noting that participation is voluntary, no personal data is collected or stored, and Worldcoin does not sell user data.
- Additionally, he confirmed that Tools for Humanity (TFH), the developer of the World App, is registered with the NPC, ensuring compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
World’s SEC Registration
On the other hand, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clarified on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) TV show that Worldcoin is not registered in the Philippines:
“Batay po sa datos ng SEC, ang World po ay hindi rehistrado sa Pilipinas. Parati pong pinapaalala ng SEC na lagi lang makipag-transact sa mga rehistradong korporasyon (at) maging mapanuri.”
Paolo Ong, Assistant Director, PhiliFintech Innovation Office, Securities and Exchange Commission
While Worldcoin’s legal counsel, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, argued that registration is not necessary:
“There is no need to register the company in the SEC since it is a technology provider with no business operations in the Philippines.”
World Activities in Bulacan
Worldcoin’s iris-scanning initiative in Bulacan attracted thousands of residents willing to trade their biometric data for $WLD, initially valued at ₱5,400. The activity first took place in Bulakan before shifting to Pandi and Plaridel, drawing even more participants.
The campaign has sparked debates on privacy, data security and ethical concerns about whether participants fully understand cryptocurrency before scanning their irises.
Moreover, cashout services also emerged to assist residents in converting their WLD tokens into cash, particularly those unfamiliar with crypto transactions or lacking direct access to exchanges. These intermediaries, often operating through social media platforms, charged service fees ranging from ₱500 to ₱1,000 per transaction. Some even offered doorstep cash deliveries, further capitalizing on the high demand for instant cashouts.
Accordingly, Tools for Humanity, the developer behind Worldcoin, addressed concerns regarding its iris-scanning activities in Bulacan by emphasizing that World ID verifications are conducted voluntarily and in compliance with local laws. The company highlighted its commitment to data privacy, stating that biometric information is processed securely and that users can opt to delete their data at any time.
This article is published on BitPinas: NPC Deletes Advisory on Iris Scanning for Cryptocurrency
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