Portugal’s National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) recently announced its decision to prevent Worldcoin from gathering biometric data for a period of three months. This action stems from concerns related to the inadequate protection of user rights and the alleged collection of data from minors without proper consent. The CNPD cited several reasons for imposing the ban, including Worldcoin’s failure to verify the age of its members and the lack of clear information provided to users regarding their data rights and consent revocation.
The CNPD highlighted that Worldcoin’s practices may be in violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), particularly with regard to the special protections afforded to biometric data and minors. The commission emphasized that the combination of these factors warranted immediate intervention against Worldcoin to safeguard the privacy and rights of individuals, especially minors. Paula Meira Lourenço, President of the CNPD, underscored the necessity of these measures as a means of upholding legal standards and protecting vulnerable populations.
In response to the ban, Worldcoin denied any wrongdoing and asserted its compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The company’s data protection officer, Jannick Preiwisch, stated that Worldcoin does not permit minors to register through the ORB platform and that it is committed to addressing the issues raised by the CNPD. Preiwisch emphasized Worldcoin’s adoption of a user-controlled Personal Custody model, which grants users greater autonomy over their data. This model was introduced in conjunction with the release of the Orb software under an open-source license on March 22.
Notably, Spain also took similar action against Worldcoin by imposing a three-month ban on its data collection activities for comparable reasons. The coordinated efforts of regulatory bodies in multiple countries underscore the significance of data protection and the need for companies like Worldcoin to adhere to stringent privacy standards. These developments serve as a reminder of the global nature of data privacy regulations and the consequences of non-compliance for companies operating in the digital space.
The CNPD’s decision to ban Worldcoin from collecting biometric data reflects a growing awareness of the importance of data protection and privacy rights. It is imperative for companies to prioritize the safeguarding of user data, especially in relation to sensitive information such as biometric data and minors’ data. The enforcement actions taken by regulatory authorities signal a shift towards greater accountability and transparency in the digital age, emphasizing the need for robust data protection measures and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
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