Portugal’s data regulator, CNPD, has ordered WorldCoin to stop collecting biometric data in the country for 90 days, citing concerns about users’ data protection rights. According to the report of ReutersThe CNPD highlighted the risks associated with unauthorized data collection from minors and the insufficient mechanism to erase information collected from users.
However, WorldCoin has denied the claim, citing ongoing efforts to resolve regulatory issues with alleged sign-ups of underage users. The iris-scanning project, which offers free cryptocurrency in exchange for iris scans, has attracted 4.5 million users globally.
Recently, Worldcoin announced a shift towards personal ownership to give users control over their data. Amid ongoing investigations and restrictions in other countries, WorldCoin faces regulatory challenges related to privacy issues when handling biometric data.
Worldcoin’s ambitious goal of establishing an identity and financial network has spurred regulatory scrutiny globally. According to its founder, Sam Altman, such a system is critical to navigating an AI-dominated world. However, privacy advocates caution against the risks associated with biometric data collection. Worldcoin has attracted interest from major investors such as a16z Crypto and Bain Capital Crypto.
Despite assurances of compliance, Worldcoin faces regulatory hurdles in several jurisdictions. These include recent actions by Kenyan and Bavarian state regulators, which indicate a broader trend of regulatory intervention.
Increasing regulatory scrutiny
In Spain, the country’s data protection agency recently ordered WorldCoin to stop collecting and processing personal data due to privacy concerns. The move followed complaints about inadequate disclosure of information, collection of data from minors and inability to withdraw consent. The aim of the intervention is to prevent the transfer of personal data to third parties and to secure already collected data.
Last year, France and the UK questioned WorldCoin’s data collection practices. The use of biometric data, such as iris scans, raised a concern. Similarly, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office emphasized obtaining users’ consent and complying with data protection laws.
In response to the growing scrutiny, Alex Blania, co-founder of WorldCoin, defended the project’s approach to handling biometric data, underscoring the need to separate humans from AI bots. Blania noted that data privacy is ensured through blockchain technology. However, skepticism remains, along with concerns about the potential for data leaks and privacy breaches.
Portugal’s data regulator, CNPD, has ordered WorldCoin to stop collecting biometric data in the country for 90 days, citing concerns about users’ data protection rights. According to the report of ReutersThe CNPD highlighted the risks associated with unauthorized data collection from minors and the insufficient mechanism to erase information collected from users.
However, WorldCoin has denied the claim, citing ongoing efforts to resolve regulatory issues with alleged sign-ups of underage users. The iris-scanning project, which offers free cryptocurrency in exchange for iris scans, has attracted 4.5 million users globally.
Recently, Worldcoin announced a shift towards personal ownership to give users control over their data. Amid ongoing investigations and restrictions in other countries, WorldCoin faces regulatory challenges related to privacy issues when handling biometric data.
Worldcoin’s ambitious goal of establishing an identity and financial network has spurred regulatory scrutiny globally. According to its founder, Sam Altman, such a system is critical to navigating an AI-dominated world. However, privacy advocates caution against the risks associated with biometric data collection. Worldcoin has attracted interest from major investors such as a16z Crypto and Bain Capital Crypto.
Despite assurances of compliance, Worldcoin faces regulatory hurdles in several jurisdictions. These include recent actions by Kenyan and Bavarian state regulators, which indicate a broader trend of regulatory intervention.
Increasing regulatory scrutiny
In Spain, the country’s data protection agency recently ordered WorldCoin to stop collecting and processing personal data due to privacy concerns. The move followed complaints about inadequate disclosure of information, collection of data from minors and inability to withdraw consent. The aim of the intervention is to prevent the transfer of personal data to third parties and to secure already collected data.
Last year, France and the UK questioned WorldCoin’s data collection practices. The use of biometric data, such as iris scans, raised a concern. Similarly, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office emphasized obtaining users’ consent and complying with data protection laws.
In response to the growing scrutiny, Alex Blania, co-founder of WorldCoin, defended the project’s approach to handling biometric data, underscoring the need to separate humans from AI bots. Blania noted that data privacy is ensured through blockchain technology. However, skepticism remains, along with concerns about the potential for data leaks and privacy breaches.