Worldcoin, the global digital identity and cryptocurrency project, has released a new statement addressing its operations and compliance in light of the legal uncertainties in Spain. In a blog post titled “Essential facts about Worldcoin,” the project highlights its commitment to operating lawfully in all available locations and ensuring full compliance with data collection and transfer regulations.
Worldcoin refers to a previous post from January that provides comprehensive information on regulatory compliance. It emphasizes adherence to major global data protection frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation in Europe and the Personal Data Protection Act in Argentina.
The platform made it clear that minors are not allowed to join, and each user must confirm their age of over 18 years in the World App before verifying at an Orb. Worldcoin also emphasizes that it and its contributor, Tools for Humanity, have never sold and will never sell any personal data, including biometric data.
To ensure data security, Worldcoin states that World ID and World App are fully self-custodial, meaning that only the owner has access to personal information such as name, email address, and phone number. The blog post highlights the advanced security features of the Orb’s hardware, which prevent unauthorized access to data.
This statement from Worldcoin comes amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding its operations in Spain. The Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data had ordered Worldcoin to stop collecting and processing data in the country, leading to a temporary ban. Unfortunately, the company failed to defend its operations in Spain as a local court rejected its injunction against the data regulator.
Worldcoin, founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is an open-source protocol that aims to provide digital identification and ownership for every individual on Earth. Since its official launch in July 2023, the project has faced regulatory challenges globally due to concerns about data privacy and protection. In August 2023, Worldcoin was banned in Kenya, leading to a suspension of all local activities, including biometric identification. However, the project has expressed its intention to resume operations in Kenya in 2024 after working with the government.
In a volatile market, protecting your crypto assets is crucial. Bitcoin OGs and experts share their insights on how to navigate these fluctuations.