Key Takeaways
- The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has ordered Tools for Humanity Worldcoin project to cease collecting and processing data.
- Worldcoin has already pulled its “Orb” biometric scanners from France.
- Germany is the only EU country where they remain operational.
Since the Worldcoin developer Tools for Humanity launched its iris-scanning “Orb” technology, the spherical biometric scanners have appeared in various locations around the world.
As of March 6, however, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has ordered the firm to stop collecting data in the country. The agency cited concerns that the scanners could breach the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Privacy Watchdog Throws Cold Water on Worldcoin Orb
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the AEPD said it had received complaints about the way Worldcoin was collecting personal data.
Specifically, it alleged that Tools for Humanity didn’t provide enough transparency into how data was processed. The AEPD also claimed Tools for Humanity collected data from minors. Furthermore, the agency claimed the company didn’t let people withdraw consent for their personal data to be processed.
Under the EU’s privacy framework, biometric data is “protected” and subject to enhanced regulations.
If the allegations are true, Worldcoin’s alleged shortcomings amount to three major GDPR violations. As a result, the AEPD ordered the company to cease collecting and processing data immediately.
AEPD Evokes Emergency GDPR Powers, Citing “Urgent Need” for Intervention
Although data protection authorities actions aren’t usually so abrupt, the AEPD said the claims against Worldcoin warranted exceptional measures.
Arguing that it was necessary to intervene without a formal investigation, the agency Evoked Article 66 of the GDPR, which grants it temporary powers to act “if there is “an urgent need to act in order to protect the rights and freedoms of data subjects.”
James Morales is CCN’s blockchain and crypto policy reporter. He has been working in the news media since 2020, writing about topics such as payments, banking and financial technology. These days, he likes to explore the latest blockchain innovations and the evolving landscape of global crypto regulation.
With an educational background in social anthropology and media studies, James uses his platform as a journalist to explore how new technologies work, why they matter and how they might shape our future.
