The Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data (AEPD) has issued a temporary order to Worldcoin, a product/service developed by Tools for Humanity, to cease the collection and processing of data in Spain. This order, which will be in effect for three months, was issued on March 6. Worldcoin’s objective, as stated in their white paper, is to create a globally inclusive identity and financial network that is owned by the majority of humanity. Their ultimate goal is to establish a potential path to AI-funded universal basic income. The AEPD’s order is based on complaints that users in Spain are unable to withdraw their consent and that Worldcoin has allegedly gathered data from minors. This action by the Spanish authorities follows an investigation conducted by Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) just over a month ago. In January, the PCPD executed search warrants on Worldcoin’s offices in Hong Kong due to concerns regarding data privacy. The controversy surrounding Worldcoin revolves around the use of biometric scanning devices known as “orbs.” To sign up for the service, Worldcoin users must download an app and visit a nearby facility housing an orb, where they must undergo an eye scan. This method of biometric verification, which relies on the uniqueness of human irises, is generally considered more reliable than fingerprinting and other common identification techniques. Once users are verified, their identities are linked to their unique biometric data, which can be independently verified using Worldcoin’s services. Users who sign up for the service and activate their accounts through the WorldApp application receive payment in Worldcoin’s WLD token. According to Tools for Humanity, as of March 5, 2024, Worldcoin has 4 million verified users.
Spain orders Sam Altman's Worldcoin to cease data collection