Urgent Alert: China Warns Against Foreign Firms Collecting Iris Information via Crypto Tokens

Key Points

1. China’s MSS issued a warning on August 6 about the dangers of exchanging biometric data (e.g., iris patterns) for crypto tokens.

2. Biometric data is highly unique and sensitive, making it a valuable target for exploitation, including surveillance and digital cloning.

3. Crypto tokens are often used as incentives to collect personal data, sometimes through KYC processes or project participation.

4. The MSS emphasizes that protecting biometric data is more critical than speculative gains from crypto tokens.

5. The warning underscores broader implications for data security and national security, though the specific foreign company involved remains unnamed.