Spain's Data Protection Agency announced on Wednesday that it had ordered the suspension of the WorldCoin crypto project, which relies on eye scans to verify users' identities, citing data protection concerns.
WorldCoin, founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, began operations last year and provides users with a private digital identity, a “World ID,” after scanning the unique iris pattern of the eye.
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Spain's Data Protection Agency announced on Wednesday that it had ordered the suspension of the WorldCoin crypto project, which relies on eye scans to verify users' identities, citing data protection concerns.
WorldCoin, founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, began operations last year and provides users with a private digital identity, a “World ID,” after scanning the unique iris pattern of the eye.
According to the founders, the project aims to solve one of the main challenges facing the crypto industry. The cryptocurrency industry largely relies on pseudonyms to operate, leaving it vulnerable to spambots and fraud.
Spain's data protection agency AEPD said it had ordered the suspension after receiving multiple complaints against the company accusing it of a “lack of information”, the collection of data from minors, or the fact that they were not allowed to withdraw their consent.
“The processing of biometric data… carries high risks for people's rights, given their confidentiality,” the statement said, adding that the ban would be in force for a maximum of three months.
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“This decision provides an exception to the need to take precautionary measures aimed at the immediate cessation of processing activities in order to prevent a possible data transfer to third parties and to protect the fundamental right to protect personal data. It is based on the situation.”
WorldCoin is sounding the alarm on regulators around the world concerned about the collection, storage and use of personal data.
Kenya canceled the project in August, after thousands of people had already taken part.
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WorldCoin said the biometric data it collects will be deleted or stored in encrypted form.
VAB/DS/CW
