The National Data Protection Commission (CNPD), the data regulator in Portugal, has issued a statement declaring that Worldcoin’s collection of biometric data through its Orb devices will be temporarily restricted in the country. The decision aims to safeguard the rights of Portuguese citizens, particularly minors. The restriction is effective immediately and will remain in place until the conclusion of an investigation that was initiated on March 8. Worldcoin, founded by Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, employs Orb devices to scan individuals’ irises in exchange for a digital ID and the company’s own cryptocurrency. Worldcoin claims to have attracted over 4.5 million users from 120 countries, with 300,000 individuals in Portugal having already provided their biometric data for the project. The CNPD imposed these measures in response to numerous reports alleging the unauthorized collection of data from minors. Paula Meira Lourenço, president of the CNPD, considers these actions essential and justified in protecting the public interest and upholding fundamental rights, particularly those of minors. The complaint was lodged against the Worldcoin Foundation, the organization behind the data collection initiative. This development follows a series of complaints from regulators worldwide. Kenya’s government has maintained its ban on the project despite pressure from the United States to reconsider. Spanish authorities have instructed Worldcoin to cease operations in the country due to complaints from local users who were unable to withdraw consent, as well as allegations of data collection from minors. However, Worldcoin released a statement on March 18 affirming its compliance with laws in all available locations and announced on March 22 that it would open-source its software and introduce a new privacy feature called “personal custody” to grant users greater control over their data.
Portugal's data regulator imposes 90-day ban on Worldcoin operations.