The Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data (AEPD) has issued a temporary order to Worldcoin, a product/service created by Tools for Humanity, to cease the collection and processing of data in Spain. The order, which will be in effect for three months, was issued on March 6. Worldcoin, founded by OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman, aims to establish a globally inclusive identity and financial network that is owned by the majority of humanity. Their ultimate goal is to provide a potential path to AI-funded universal basic income, as described in their white paper.
The AEPD’s order stems from ongoing investigations into complaints that Worldcoin users in Spain are unable to withdraw consent and that the company has collected data from minors. This follows a similar investigation conducted by Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) in January. The PCPD executed search warrants on Worldcoin offices in Hong Kong due to concerns over data privacy.
The controversy surrounding Worldcoin revolves around its use of biometric scanning devices called “orbs.” Users are required to download an app and visit a nearby facility equipped with an orb to sign up for the service. At these facilities, users must undergo an eye scan, as the unique nature of human irises makes this form of biometric verification more accurate than traditional identification methods like fingerprinting.
Once verified, user identities are linked to their biometric data, which can be independently verified using Worldcoin’s services. Users who activate their accounts in the WorldApp application are rewarded with payment in Worldcoin’s WLD token. As of March 5, 2024, Tools for Humanity claims that Worldcoin has 4 million verified users.