Spain has hit the brakes on Worldcoin, a project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, citing concerns about user privacy. The Spanish data protection agency, the AEPD, ordered Worldcoin to cease operations in the country for three months. This temporary ban comes amidst growing anxieties about Worldcoin’s data collection practices, particularly its reliance on eyeball scans for user identification.
Worldcoin aims to provide a universal digital identity system by offering cryptocurrency in exchange for a scan of a user’s eyeball. This unique biometric data serves as the basis for the Worldcoin ID, raising concerns about potential misuse and the difficulty of revoking consent once a scan is provided.
The AEPD received various complaints against Worldcoin, including allegations of collecting personal data from minors and failing to provide users with a clear method to withdraw their consent for data collection. The agency also expressed concerns about the overall purpose and necessity of using such sensitive biometric data for identification purposes.
This temporary ban is a significant setback for Worldcoin, which had recently begun operations in Spain. The company has yet to issue an official statement regarding the ban, but it will likely need to address the privacy concerns raised by the AEPD if it hopes to resume operations in the country.
The situation in Spain highlights the ongoing debate surrounding data privacy and the use of biometric information in the digital age. As new technologies emerge, regulatory bodies will continue to grapple with the need to balance innovation with safeguarding user privacy. This case is likely to be closely watched by other countries grappling with similar issues around data security and emerging technologies.
