China Warns of Security Risks from Cryptocurrency Project Collecting Global User Iris Data
China's Security Department recently issued an official warning about a cryptocurrency project backed by a foreign company that is deploying a global campaign to collect user iris data. According to the warning published on the agency's official WeChat platform, the biometric data, after collection, was transferred abroad, posing a serious risk to personal privacy and even national security.
Chinese security officials emphasized that while biometric technologies such as iris scanning and facial recognition offer many benefits in modern fields like security, healthcare, and electronic payments, the abuse of these technologies, especially in blockchain or cryptocurrency projects, can have unpredictable consequences.
This warning reflects the increasing concerns of the Chinese government about international technology companies exploiting cryptocurrency development to anonymously and difficultly controllably deploy sensitive data collection activities. Transferring iris data abroad not only violates user privacy but could also be used for non-transparent purposes, affecting information security and national digital sovereignty.
The Chinese Security Department recommends that citizens be particularly cautious about invitations to participate in cryptocurrency projects involving biometric data collection. Additionally, citizens are encouraged to enhance their awareness of protecting personal information, especially in the context of rapidly developing blockchain projects infiltrating various aspects of digital life.
