Portugal Temporarily Halts Worldcoin’s Biometric Data Collection

Portugal’s data regulator, CNPD, has ordered Worldcoin
to cease collecting biometric data for 90 days, citing concerns over citizens’
data protection rights. According to a report by Reuters, CNPD highlighted
risks related to unauthorized data collection from minors and deficiencies in
information and data erasure mechanisms.

However, Worldcoin refuted claims of non-compliance,
citing ongoing efforts to address issues, including underage sign-ups. The
iris-scanning project, which offers free cryptocurrency in exchange for facial
scans, has attracted over 4.5 million users globally.

Recently, the company announced a shift toward “personal
custody” to grant users control over their data. Amidst ongoing
investigations and bans in other countries, Worldcoin faces regulatory
challenges regarding privacy concerns in handling biometric data.

Worldcoin’s ambitious goal of establishing an
“identity and financial network” has triggered regulatory scrutiny globally.
According to its Founder, Sam Altman, such a system is crucial in navigating an
AI-dominated world. However, privacy advocates caution against the risks
associated with biometric data collection. Worldcoin has attracted interest
from major investors, such as a16z crypto and Bain Capital Crypto.

Despite assurances of compliance, Worldcoin faces
regulatory hurdles in multiple jurisdictions. This includes recent actions by
Spain, Kenya, and Bavarian state regulators, indicating a broader trend of
regulatory intervention.

Expect ongoing updates as this story evolves.

Portugal’s data regulator, CNPD, has ordered Worldcoin
to cease collecting biometric data for 90 days, citing concerns over citizens’
data protection rights. According to a report by Reuters, CNPD highlighted
risks related to unauthorized data collection from minors and deficiencies in
information and data erasure mechanisms.

However, Worldcoin refuted claims of non-compliance,
citing ongoing efforts to address issues, including underage sign-ups. The
iris-scanning project, which offers free cryptocurrency in exchange for facial
scans, has attracted over 4.5 million users globally.

Recently, the company announced a shift toward “personal
custody” to grant users control over their data. Amidst ongoing
investigations and bans in other countries, Worldcoin faces regulatory
challenges regarding privacy concerns in handling biometric data.

Worldcoin’s ambitious goal of establishing an
“identity and financial network” has triggered regulatory scrutiny globally.
According to its Founder, Sam Altman, such a system is crucial in navigating an
AI-dominated world. However, privacy advocates caution against the risks
associated with biometric data collection. Worldcoin has attracted interest
from major investors, such as a16z crypto and Bain Capital Crypto.

Despite assurances of compliance, Worldcoin faces
regulatory hurdles in multiple jurisdictions. This includes recent actions by
Spain, Kenya, and Bavarian state regulators, indicating a broader trend of
regulatory intervention.

Expect ongoing updates as this story evolves.