Worldcoin In Portugal Now Faces A Ban On User Data Collection

Key Points:

• Portugal’s CNPD orders a 90-day halt to Worldcoin’s biometric data collection, citing risks to citizens’ privacy rights.
• Worldcoin in Portugal has collected data on more than 300,000 individuals.
• Amidst global scrutiny, Worldcoin initiates “Personal Custody,” granting users control over data.

Portugal’s data regulator, CNPD, has instructed Worldcoin, the iris scanning project led by Sam Altman, to halt the collection of biometric data for 90 days.

Worldcoin in Portugal is banned by Regulators from Collecting Biometric Data

According to Reuters, Worldcoin in Portugal has amassed data from over 300,000 individuals. The project offers free cryptocurrency in exchange for facial scans via its orb devices.

The CNPD cited significant risks to citizens’ data protection rights, prompting urgent action to prevent potential harm. Complaints ranged from unauthorized data collection by minors to difficulties in data deletion and consent withdrawal.

Jannick Preiwisch, Worldcoin’s data protection officer, asserted the company’s compliance with regulations while acknowledging the CNPD’s concerns.

The CNPD’s order halting data collection is temporary, facilitating additional investigation into user complaints. This directive comes amidst mounting global privacy concerns regarding the project’s practices.

Shift to “Personal Custody” Amidst Global Privacy Concerns

UK’s Big Brother Watch warned of potential data breaches, and Spain imposed a three-month ban earlier. Kenya suspended Worldcoin’s operations in August, and Bavaria leads the EU’s data protection investigation due to the company’s German subsidiary.

In response to privacy criticisms, Worldcoin rolled out Personal Custody, eliminating biometric data storage and encryption, thereby offering users greater control over their personal data.