Worldcoin Directed to Halt Biometric Data Collection

With controversy surrounding it, Worldcoin is in the news again because of its large-scale “proof of personhood” project in Europe, which aims to increase the number of users by using eyeball scans to confirm people’s humanity.

Over 4.5 million people have signed up for Worldcoin’s “proof of personhood” initiative from 120 countries including Spain, according to the company’s website, demonstrating strong interest in the innovative idea. On the other hand, new information has sparked questions about whether the initiative complies with data privacy laws.

Regulatory Intervention in Portugal

According to Reuters, Worldcoin has been ordered by Portugal’s data authority, CNPD, to stop collecting personal data for a period of ninety days. Concerns about possible threats to people’ rights to data protection were voiced by CNPD, which prompted quick action to preserve privacy.

The main Worldcoin software contributor, Tools for Humanity, defended the project’s adherence to legal standards governing biometric data collection and transfer in response to CNPD’s request. The Worldcoin Foundation’s data protection officer, Jannick Preiwisch, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to upholding the jurisdiction of data protection authorities such as CNPD.

Preiwisch confirmed receiving the CNPD study, which brought attention to specific problems in Portugal, including underage enrollments. In response to such infractions, the foundation said that it would not tolerate them and promised to take swift action.

To enable a comprehensive examination and analysis of concerns, CNPD made it clear that the order to halt data collecting is only temporary. As the investigation continues, the regulatory body hopes to defend citizens’ right to privacy while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

The “proof of personhood” initiative by Worldcoin is confronted with legislative obstacles in Europe, highlighting the significance of ethical data practices and compliance with privacy legislation in the digital innovation space.