Portugal Suspends Worldcoin's Biometric Data Collection, Joining Spain in Regulatory Crackdown

Amidst regulatory concerns, Portugal's data regulator CNPD has ordered Worldcoin to suspend all biometric data collection activities for 90 days, following a similar order in Spain. The project, co-founded by Sam Altman, faces scrutiny over the privacy risks associated with iris scans and the lack of informed consent and withdrawal options. The latest regulatory action adds to Worldcoin's challenges in multiple countries, including the UK, France, and Kenya.

Worldcoin in the Spotlight: Portugal Joins Spain in Halting Biometric Collection

What's Happening with Worldcoin in Portugal?

Portugal's data protection agency, CNPD, has ordered Worldcoin to cease all biometric data collection for 90 days. This move echoes a similar order recently issued in Spain, raising concerns about the privacy implications of the AI-powered project co-founded by OpenAI's Sam Altman.

Privacy Concerns: A Red Flag

The CNPD's decision stems from concerns about the potential risks associated with Worldcoin's massive data collection, which has reportedly exceeded 300,000 individuals in Portugal. Amid growing calls for data protection, the regulator also cited complaints of unauthorized data collection from minors filed in February.

Lack of Transparency and Consent

Adding to the alarm, the regulator expressed concerns that Worldcoin does not adequately inform participants about data usage and does not provide a clear path for withdrawing consent. These issues have also been raised by other regulators worldwide.

Spain and Beyond: A Global Regulatory Crackdown

Portugal's actions follow Spain's three-month suspension of Worldcoin activities. The project has also faced hurdles in the UK, France, and Kenya, which imposed similar suspensions last August.

Worldcoin's Market Performance: Defying Regulatory Headwinds

Despite the ongoing regulatory scrutiny, the price of Worldcoin's native token, WLD, has shown resilience. On the day of the Portuguese order, WLD surged to $9.43, mirroring Bitcoin's rise above $71,000. As of writing, WLD is trading around $8.83, up over 12% in the past week.

In Conclusion: Worldcoin's Regulatory Challenges

Worldcoin's ambitious mission to create a digital identity for everyone has encountered significant regulatory resistance. The company's biometric data collection practices have raised privacy concerns, leading to suspensions and orders to halt activities in multiple countries. As the global regulatory landscape evolves, Worldcoin will need to address these concerns transparently to ensure its long-term viability.