The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has ordered nationwide scrutiny of iris-scanning crypto schemes over privacy concerns.
DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has asked the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) to conduct strict inspections nationwide following growing concerns over iris-scanning activities.
The PDPC recently issued a public warning about the biometric risks involved in exchanging iris scans for cryptocurrency, adding iris data is classified as sensitive personal information under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
Mr Chaichanok said such activities may compromise individual privacy and lead to misuse of biometric data.
The ministry was working closely with Tools for Humanity (TFH) and state agencies to ensure compliance and transparency.
The joint review focuses on three key areas: First, data retention and destruction so companies must prove that iris data is deleted immediately after its intended use.
Second, with control over paid scanning services, citizens are urged to exercise caution. The ministry is investigating the origins of funding and data handling.
Third, there must be transparency over how data will be used, encrypted, and protected, and genuine user consent.
