Worldcoin has filed a lawsuit against the Spanish data protection authority (AEPD) following the regulator’s decision to ban its operations in Spain due to concerns over privacy and data protection.
Worldcoin’s project, which involves scanning individuals’ irises to create a global identity system and offering free cryptocurrency in return, has faced scrutiny over its data collection and usage practices. The AEPD’s concerns included inadequate disclosure, the collection of minors’ data, and restrictions on withdrawing consent. In response, Worldcoin accuses the AEPD of bypassing EU law and making misleading claims about its technology.
At this point, Worldcoin has drawn widespread scrutiny from regulators across the globe. Investigations have been opened in countries including Argentina, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
In Germany, for example, the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision has been investigating Worldcoin since November of 2022, focusing on the company’s plans to process sensitive data on a large scale.
In Kenya, due to an overwhelming demand from citizens to register for Worldcoin’s platform, the Kenyan government suspended Worldcoin’s registration activities. The Kenyan Communications Authority raised issues regarding the storage of biometric data, the exchange of money for data, and the control of vast amounts of data by a private entity. Despite the suspension, Worldcoin expressed its intent to cooperate with the government and to implement crowd-control measures before resuming its operations.
Worldcoin’s persistence in advancing its project amidst regulatory scrutiny illustrates a steadfast commitment to its vision of creating a global digital identity platform. The company’s goal to establish a universal “identity and financial network” intended as a public utility, aiming to provide universal access to the global economy, transcending borders and socio-economic backgrounds.
Source: Reuters
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March 8, 2024 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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