Thai authorities have raided a site linked to World, the digital identity project founded by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, alleging violations of local digital asset laws. The joint operation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) targeted an iris scanning location said to be involved in “WLD exchange services,” the SEC said in a statement on Friday. The agencies said the operator appeared to have conducted digital asset business without a license. “The investigator has arrested suspects for committing the offense, subject to further relevant law enforcement proceedings,” the SEC said. Officials did not disclose how many people were detained or what equipment was seized.
Investor Takeaway
The raid deepens regulatory scrutiny of Altman’s digital ID project, highlighting how emerging biometric crypto platforms are clashing with national licensing rules.
World’s Operations Under Scrutiny
World’s native token, WLD, is distributed to users who complete iris verification at the project’s so-called “orb” scanners. According to company data, the platform runs 102 orb locations in Thailand, making it one of its largest markets in Asia. The token was trading at about $0.89 on Friday, down slightly on the day. On its website, World says it only distributes WLD “in jurisdictions where laws allow” and restricts eligibility based on geography, age, and other factors. The company said it is not responsible for WLD’s availability on third-party platforms, including exchanges. Its developer, Tools for Humanity, did not respond to requests for comment.
Past Run-Ins With Regulators
Since its launch in July 2023, the project—originally called Worldcoin—has been a frequent target for regulators questioning its data collection methods and compliance standards. Authorities in Germany, Kenya, and Brazil have raised privacy concerns about the storage and handling of users’ biometric information. In May 2025, Indonesia’s Digital Ministry said it was investigating World’s local operations over alleged registration violations. The company later paused verifications while reviewing its licensing obligations. In several markets, local agencies have warned citizens against sharing biometric data with unlicensed entities.
Investor Takeaway
Thailand’s enforcement adds to a string of investigations worldwide that could complicate World’s expansion and raise fresh questions about biometric data governance.
Regulatory Outlook in Thailand
Thailand’s stable of digital asset rules, updated this year, requires any exchange or token distribution service to register with the SEC. The country has tightened oversight following several local fraud cases linked to unlicensed crypto businesses. Friday’s action suggests regulators are extending those standards to projects offering biometric verification tied to token rewards. World’s concept—offering digital identity through iris scanning in exchange for tokens—has divided policymakers. Proponents see it as a path to verifiable online identity, while critics warn it blurs lines between financial services and biometric surveillance. The Thai case may become an early test of how existing crypto laws apply to identity-linked tokens.