Recent Developments
Recently, World-Check has been in the spotlight due to a massive data breach that potentially exposed 5.3 million records. A hacker group, GhostR, claimed responsibility for the breach, stating they accessed the data through a third-party company based in Singapore with ties to the database. The leaked data allegedly includes sensitive information such as names, Social Security numbers, bank account details, cryptocurrency identifiers, and passport numbers. This breach raised serious concerns about data security and the handling of sensitive information by third-party entities associated with World-Check(
SC Media).
The Database's Role and Functionality
Owned by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) since their acquisition of Refinitiv in 2021, World-Check aggregates data from a wide range of sources, including watch lists, government records, and media reports. It profiles individuals such as politically exposed persons (PEPs), their close associates, and entities under global sanctions. This tool is essential for businesses aiming to perform due diligence and mitigate risks associated with financial crimes(
Finance Hub).
Historical Controversies
World-Check has faced criticism for its opaque data collection methods and the inclusion of individuals who claim they were wrongly profiled. A notable case involved Maajid Nawaz, a British activist, who successfully sued the database's then-owner, Thomson Reuters, after being wrongly categorized under the "terrorism" section in 2017. Such instances have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in how data is gathered and managed(
SC Media).
Implications of the Bre