Spain's Data Protection Authority (AEPD) has issued a temporary ban on Worldcoin's operations in the country for three months, instructing the cryptocurrency project to halt data collection and processing activities within Spain. Worldcoin, developed by Tools for Humanity, founded by OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman, aims to establish a global inclusive identity and financial network owned by the majority of humanity, with the potential to pave the way for an AI-funded universal basic income, as outlined in its white paper.
The AEPD's order comes in response to complaints alleging that Spanish users faced challenges withdrawing consent and that Worldcoin collected data from minors. According to Microsoft Translator, the AEPD demanded the cessation of collecting and processing special categories of personal data, urging the blocking of already collected data. The agency received multiple complaints, including concerns about inadequate information provision, data collection from minors, and lack of consent withdrawal options.
Worldcoin's data protection officer, Jannick Preiwisch, conveyed a statement emphasizing the platform's commitment to privacy and protection. Preiwisch highlighted World ID's role in providing secure online access, asserting it as a privacy-preserving solution amidst the era of artificial intelligence. The statement underscored Worldcoin's willingness to collaborate with regulators to address concerns and provide accurate information about its technology.
Despite ongoing efforts to engage with authorities, including the Bavarian Data Protection Authority, Worldcoin expressed dissatisfaction with the AEPD's actions, characterizing them as circumventing EU law and disseminating misleading claims globally. The statement emphasized the platform's eagerness to clarify important aspects of its technology and ensure comply with legal requirements.
The ban imposed by Spanish authorities follows an investigation initiated by the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) into Worldcoin. In January, the PCPD executed a search warrant at Worldcoin's verification location over data privacy concerns, focusing on the project's utilization of biometric scanning devices known as “Orbs.” Orbs use a high-resolution snapshot of the iris and converts it into an iris code, a digital code that proves an individual is uniquely human. With the collected biometric data, more accurate than fingerprint recognition and other common identification technologies. Those who sign up for the service in the World App and activate their accounts will be rewarded Worldcoin's WLD tokens.
