Spain’s data protection authority, Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), has ordered Worldcoin, OpenAI founder Sam Altman’s eyeball-scanning crypto venture, to immediately cease the collection of personal information and stop using data it has already gathered, imposing a ban on the company’s activities for up to three months.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the privacy implications of Worldcoin’s iris-scanning technology, which is used to create a digital identity and distribute free cryptocurrency.
According to the AEPD, the temporary prohibition is necessary to prevent potentially irreparable damage and to ensure people’s rights are protected, as the processing of biometric data, such as iris scans, carries high risks under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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Worldcoin, backed by venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz’s a16z crypto and Bain Capital Crypto, has drawn criticism from privacy advocates worldwide for its data collection practices. The company claims to have signed up over 4 million people across 120 countries to have their irises scanned by its “orb” devices.
Related: Kenya Wants Worldcoin Shut Down
It’s also accusing the AEPD of spreading inaccurate claims about its technology. The company’s Data Protection Officer, Jannick Preiwisch, stated that they had been trying to engage with the AEPD for months but were met with no response.
The AEPD’s decision follows several complaints regarding insufficient information provided to users, the collection of data from minors, and the inability to withdraw consent.
While Worldcoin continues to face scrutiny from various data protection authorities, including those in Germany, Portugal, and the UK, Altman maintains that the company’s digital ID will allow users to prove their humanity online, a crucial aspect in a future dominated by artificial intelligence.
Information for this story was found via Reuters, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
