The National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) of Portugal has taken action to temporarily restrict Worldcoin’s collection of biometric data through its Orb devices within the country. The decision was made to safeguard the rights of citizens, particularly minors, and will remain in effect until the conclusion of an ongoing investigation that was initiated on March 8.
Worldcoin, founded by Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, operates by scanning individuals’ irises using its Orb devices and exchanging the data for a digital ID and its own cryptocurrency. The company claims that more than 4.5 million people from 120 countries have signed up with Worldcoin, with 300,000 individuals in Portugal having already provided their biometric data for the project.
The CNPD’s decision was prompted by numerous reports it received regarding the unauthorized collection of data from minors. In response, the CNPD stated that these measures are necessary to protect the public interest and uphold fundamental rights, especially those of minors. The complaint was directed towards the Worldcoin Foundation, the entity responsible for the data collection initiative.
This development adds to the series of regulatory challenges faced by Worldcoin globally. Despite pressure from the United States to relax its stance, the Kenyan government has upheld its ban on the project. Similarly, legal authorities in Spain have ordered Worldcoin to halt its activities following complaints from users who were unable to withdraw their consent. Concerns were also raised about data collection from minors.
Notwithstanding these bans, Worldcoin released a statement on March 18 asserting its compliance with laws in all available locations. Additionally, on March 22, the project announced plans to open-source its software and introduce a new privacy feature called “personal custody” to empower users with greater control over their data.