Bangkok: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has launched an investigation into a company providing iris scanning services in the Northeastern region. The company has been ordered to clarify its operations, with expectations that the facts will be established by next week. There is a possibility that the company may face closure if it is found that the data was used in criminal activities.
According to Thai News Agency, reports have surfaced that residents of Surin Province have been eagerly participating in iris scans to exchange coins for cryptocurrency, with transaction payments ranging from 500 to 2,000 baht. Companies facilitating these services have reportedly been established in several provinces.
Patchara Anantasilpa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), has instructed relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. Initial findings suggest that the contract involves a collaboration between a Thai public company and a global company operating across various provinces. The company allegedly collected iris scans to build a database, but it is unclear whether this violates electronic law. Anantasilpa's investigation revealed that the contract did not involve cash payments but rather electronic tokens in exchange for barcodes generated from the iris scans, with the data purportedly deleted immediately after.
When questioned about mutual benefits involved in such hiring, Ms. Suchada Tansap, Secretary to the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, explained that contractors receive tokens for entering the wallet system. Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has expressed concerns and tasked the Personal Data Violation Monitoring Center with investigating the use of the iris scans. The ministry has reached out to the company for documentation detailing the purpose of the data collection and is conducting a comprehensive review. They have stated that while they will not hinder globally used technology, any misuse that harms citizens or infringes on personal rights will lead to suspension.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is proactively working to address potential misuse of data collection, particularly if it affects AI development and public welfare. They aim to provide answers within this week or the next, warning that the hiring company's operations will be suspended if no clear explanation is forthcoming.