World, the digital identity project founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is encountering new challenges in Thailand. Local authorities have reportedly raided an iris scanning location allegedly operated by the platform.
Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), conducted a joint operation to raid an iris scanning site associated with "WLD exchange services." This action was announced by the SEC on Friday.
The project's native cryptocurrency, Worldcoin's WLD token, is distributed to eligible World ID users who undergo verification through iris scanning at designated World orb locations. According to data provided by World, the platform currently operates 102 orb locations within Thailand.
Allegations of Operating Without a License
The SEC and CCIB stated that the WLD exchange service provider potentially violated local digital asset laws by operating without the necessary license. The announcement further noted, "The investigator has arrested suspects for committing the offense, subject to further relevant law enforcement proceedings."
World's official statements indicate that the platform only distributes WLD tokens in exchange for verification in jurisdictions where such activities are legally permitted. The company specifies that eligibility for WLD tokens is contingent upon various factors, including geography and age. World also clarifies on its website that it is not responsible for the availability of WLD on third-party platforms, whether centralized or decentralized exchanges.
Cointelegraph reached out to Tools of Humanity, the developer behind World, for comment regarding the raid. As of publication, no response had been received.