Portuguese Data Regulator Temporarily Limits Worldcoin
The National Data Protection Commission (CNPD), Portugal’s data regulator, has decided to temporarily limit Worldcoin and its collection of biometric data through its Orb devices within the country.
The measure aims to protect the rights of Portuguese citizens, particularly minors. This measure comes into effect immediately and will stay in place until the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.
Key highlights:
- The CNPD opened an investigation into Worldcoin on March 8.
- The decision follows dozens of reports on the collection of minors’ biometric data without proper authorization.
- Worldcoin, founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has signed up over 4.57 million people in 120 countries.
- In Portugal, 300,000 people have already provided their biometric data to the project.
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Sam Altman, the CEO and co-founder of artificial intelligence developer OpenAI, founded Worldcoin. The project scans people’s iris using its Orb devices in exchange for a digital ID and its WLD coin.
According to the company, more than 4.57 million people in 120 countries have signed up with Worldcoin. Portugal has also stated that 300,000 individuals have already submitted their biometric data for the project.
Portugal’s Worldcoin decision comes after dozens of reports
The CNPD’s decision follows the receipt of “dozens of reports” regarding the collection of data from minors without proper authorization from legal authorities or parents.
In a statement, the regulator said, “Given the current circumstances, in which there is illegality in the processing of minors’ biometric data, associated with potential violations of other GDPR standards, the CNPD understood that the risk to citizens’ fundamental rights is high, justifying urgent intervention to prevent serious or irreparable damage.”
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These troubles follow a series of complaints from regulators around the world. The Kenyan government has continued to uphold its ban, and legal authorities in Spain have also instructed Worldcoin to cease activity in the country.
