Worldcoin Faces EU Regulatory Hurdle with Iris Scanning Amid Privacy Concerns

Worldcoin, known for its "proof of personhood" concept, faces a setback as Portugal's data regulator (CNPD) orders a 90-day suspension of its biometric data collection. Citing risks to citizens' data protection rights, CNPD's directive follows a similar ban in Spain. Worldcoin claims compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, emphasising its "Personal Custody" feature that gives users greater control over their personal data.

Can Worldcoin's Iris Scanning Pass Regulatory Muster in Europe?

Worldcoin, the brainchild behind "proof of personhood" and iris scanning to verify identity, has hit a roadblock in Europe. Portugal's data watchdog, CNPD, has put the brakes on its biometric data collection for 90 days, citing concerns over citizens' data protection rights. This move follows a similar ban in Spain last month. Over 300,000 Portuguese have already shared their iris data with Worldcoin.

Worldcoin's Response: We're Playing by the Rules

Tools for Humanity, Worldcoin's software arm, insists they're operating within the legal framework. Their data protection officer, Jannick Preiwisch, pledged to work with authorities and address any concerns, including minors signing up in Portugal.

A New Twist: Personal Custody for Personal Data

To alleviate privacy worries and give users more control, Worldcoin has introduced "Personal Custody." This feature nixes the storage and encryption of biometric data by Worldcoin, giving users sole possession of their data. Tiago Sada of Tools for Humanity says this move empowers users and reduces the need to trust external parties.

The Lure of Crypto Rewards

Worldcoin entices users with WLD tokens upon iris scanning to create a World ID. According to its website, over 4.5 million individuals from 120 countries have joined the club.

The Future of Iris-Scanning Crypto

With two major European regulators throwing roadblocks, Worldcoin's aspirations in the region face an uncertain future. The company's compliance with privacy laws and its ability to address concerns will determine whether iris scanning can gain traction as a crypto onboarding tool in Europe.