Portuguese Regulator Suspends Data Collection by Sam Altman's Worldcoin

In a major setback for Sam Altman's Worldcoin, Portugal's data regulator has ordered the iris-scanning project to cease biometric data collection for 90 days, citing concerns over data protection and unauthorized data collection from minors. The move follows complaints and investigations in several countries, including Spain, Kenya, and Germany.

Portuguese Data Regulator Orders Sam Altman's Worldcoin to Suspend Data Collection

Lisbon, Portugal - On Tuesday, the Portuguese data protection authority, the Comissão Nacional de Protecção de Dados (CNPD), issued an order suspending the data collection activities of Sam Altman's iris-scanning project, Worldcoin. The order, effective immediately, prohibits Worldcoin from collecting biometric data for a period of 90 days while the regulator conducts further investigations.

The decision by the CNPD stems from concerns about the privacy and ethical implications of Worldcoin's data collection practices. The project, which involves scanning individuals' irises using handheld "orb" devices, has raised alarms among privacy advocates and regulators worldwide.

According to the CNPD, the regulator has received numerous complaints in recent weeks alleging unauthorized collection of data from minors, insufficient information provided to individuals, and the inability to erase data or revoke consent. These allegations have prompted the CNPD to intervene to prevent potential harm to citizens' data protection rights.

Over 300,000 individuals in Portugal have already provided their biometric data to Worldcoin, raising concerns about the scope and potential misuse of this sensitive information. The CNPD stressed that the suspension of data collection is a temporary measure while it thoroughly investigates these allegations and determines whether Worldcoin is fully compliant with Portuguese data protection laws.

Responding to the CNPD's order, Jannick Preiwisch, data protection officer at the Worldcoin Foundation, stated that the project "fully complies with all laws and regulations governing the collection and transfer of biometric data." Preiwisch acknowledged the CNPD's report as the first official communication regarding these matters and asserted that Worldcoin has zero tolerance for underage sign-ups and is working to address any instances of non-compliance.

The Worldcoin project has faced regulatory scrutiny in multiple countries. Spain's data protection agency recently imposed a three-month ban on Worldcoin following similar complaints. In August, Kenya suspended Worldcoin's operations altogether. The Bavarian state regulator in Germany, where Worldcoin's parent company, Tools For Humanity, has a subsidiary, is also investigating the project under the European Union's data protection framework.

The suspension of Worldcoin's data collection in Portugal marks a significant setback for the project, which has touted itself as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion. However, the concerns raised by regulators and privacy experts have cast doubt on Worldcoin's commitment to user data protection and ethical data collection practices.

As the investigation into Worldcoin's activities continues, it remains to be seen whether the project will be able to address the concerns of regulators and regain public trust. The suspension of data collection in Portugal serves as a reminder that companies must prioritize data privacy and transparency when handling sensitive personal information.