Spain's Data Protection Agency Orders Worldcoin to Halt Operations Amid Privacy Concerns
Summary:
Spain's Data Protection Agency has demanded Worldcoin, a service by Tools for Humanity, to halt its data collection and processing activities in Spain for a three-month period following complaints about users' inability to withdraw consent and alleged data collection from minors. This action comes after a previous investigation by Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data due to privacy concerns. Worldcoin uses biometric scanners for user registration linked to unique iris scans.
On March 6, Spain's Data Protection Agency, the AEPD, demanded Worldcoin to cease its data collection and processing activities in the country, setting a provisional three-month prohibition. OpenAI's co-founder and CEO, Sam Altman, established Worldcoin via his organization, Tools for Humanity. As outlined in its white paper, Worldcoin aims to establish a universally accessible identity and financial network that the majority of humans own, potentially paving the way for an AI-backed universal basic income.
The AEPD's injunction investigates several accusations, including that users in Spain cannot withdraw their consent and that Worldcoin has potentially collected data from underage individuals. The agency received multiple complaints alleging these incidents, as well as the lack of enough information available.
This move by Spanish regulators comes a little more than a month following an investigation by Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) office into Worldcoin due to privacy concerns. The PCPD had previously issued search warrants in for the company's Hong Kong offices in January.
Worldcoin's controversy majorly arises from its utilization of biometric scanners, named orbs. To register with Worldcoin, individuals need to download an app directing them to the closest orb facility for retina scanning. This technique of biometric verification is largely seen as more precise since every person's iris is unique; hence it's considered superior to fingerprinting and other popular identification methods. Upon verification, user identities connect to their distinctive biometric figures, enabling autonomous validation through Worldcoin's offerings. Users initiating their accounts on WorldApp receive payment in WLD tokens, the firm's own currency.
As per the company, Tools for Humanity, as of March 5, 2024, Worldcoin has approximately four million validated users.
Published At
3/6/2024 7:40:28 PM
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