Portugal Imposes 90-Day Suspension on Worldcoin’s Collection of Biometric Data

The National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) of Portugal took significant measures on March 26 to ensure the protection of personal data, especially for minors, by imposing a temporary ban on Worldcoin.

In light of concerns raised by multiple complaints, the CNPD implemented a temporary 90-day restriction on Worldcoin’s collection of biometric data via its Orb devices in Portugal on Tuesday.

CNPD Issues Urgent Provisional Measure Due to Worldcoin’s Biometric Data Collection Concerns

This provisional action arises from worries about the company’s collection of biometric data, including iris, eye, and facial scans, without adequate consent or authorization.

Furthermore, the CNPD highlighted shortcomings in the information provided to data subjects and potential issues regarding data deletion or revocation.

Mais de 300 mil pessoas já forneceram os seus dados biométricos, https://t.co/aG5HCzvprb

— CNN Portugal (@cnnportugal) March 26, 2024

The decision was additionally influenced by media reports indicating that more than 300,000 individuals in Portugal had already submitted their biometric data.

The swift expansion of collection points, particularly in commercial areas, raised alarms about the surge in participants. Under the GDPR, biometric data is categorized as a special type of data that necessitates heightened protection due to its inherent risks.

Minors, being especially susceptible, are entitled to additional protection under both European and national legislation.

The CNPD’s ongoing investigation will evaluate incoming reports and take further actions as needed to ensure adherence to data protection laws and minimize potential harm.

Worldcoin Addresses Legal Uncertainties Regarding Its Digital Identity Project

Worldcoin, a worldwide digital identity and cryptocurrency initiative founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has recently tackled legal uncertainties concerning its operations, particularly in Spain.

Today, Spanish data regulator Agencia Española de Protección de Datos instructed Sam Altman’s @worldcoin to halt its operations in the country.#CryptoNewshttps://t.co/BE1zCwWjHE

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) March 6, 2024

The situation in Spain intensified when the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) issued a temporary directive on March 6, prohibiting Worldcoin from collecting data in the country for three months.

The AEPD referenced concerns regarding users’ inability to withdraw consent and accusations of data collection from minors. Despite Worldcoin’s attempts to comply, a local court dismissed its request for an injunction against the data regulator.

This development in Spain is distinct, as Worldcoin has also encountered regulatory scrutiny in other regions. In January 2024, Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) investigated Worldcoin’s activities due to concerns about personal data privacy risks.

Moreover, Worldcoin’s eye-scanning initiative faced regulatory obstacles in Kenya, resulting in a government ban on local operations related to the platform, including biometric identification, in August 2023.

Worldcoin has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Kenyan government to resume operations in 2024, however.

Clear answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Worldcoin project. https://t.co/MkdxpIaEmV

— Worldcoin (@worldcoin) March 18, 2024

In a statement issued on March 18, Worldcoin reassured stakeholders that it operates legally in all locations where it is present and is structured to fully comply with applicable laws.

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