Worldcoin's Iris Scans Draw Privacy Concerns for Minors

The Portuguese data regulator, CNPD, has ordered Worldcoin to halt its biometric data collection for 90 days due to privacy concerns, particularly for minors. Citing over 300,000 Portugal citizens providing their data, the CNPD has also raised issues with data deletion and consent revocation, taking action amid reports of minors being scanned without parental consent. The move follows similar actions taken by data regulators in Spain and other European countries, highlighting concerns surrounding the collection and use of biometric information.

Is Worldcoin's Iris-Scanning Crossing the Line with Minors?

Portugal's data privacy watchdog, the Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados (CNPD), has put the brakes on Worldcoin's iris-scanning project for 90 days. Why? They're concerned that the cryptocurrency project may be violating the privacy rights of minors.

The CNPD has reportedly received numerous complaints about Worldcoin collecting biometric data from minors without parental consent. They're also worried that the company isn't providing enough information about how they're using the data they collect.

"The impossibility of deleting data or revoking consent" has raised red flags for the CNPD. They're concerned that it could create a situation where individuals have no control over their biometric information once they provide it to Worldcoin.

The CNPD points out that European laws, including the GDPR, protect the data privacy of minors. They're particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with having their biometric information collected.

Portugal's move follows similar actions by data regulators in Spain, Germany, and the UK, who have all expressed concerns about Worldcoin's data collection practices.

Spanish Data Czar Halts Worldcoin's Data Delve

Earlier this month, Spain's data protection agency, the AEPD, ordered Worldcoin to halt its data processing of Spanish citizens. They cited concerns that the project could be depriving the public of their data privacy protections.

AEPD President Jaime Herreros said the order was necessary to "protect the rights and freedoms of the individuals affected by the processing."

Worldcoin's Backer: Sam Altman, the AI Whiz

Worldcoin is backed by none other than Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI. The project's goal is to distribute cryptocurrency and digital IDs to everyone in the world.

To do this, Worldcoin uses a device called the Orb to scan people's irises. The Orb is supposed to verify the uniqueness and humanity of the individual and issue an Orb-verified World ID. Worldcoin claims that all images are deleted on-device by default.

Kenya: A Global Leader in Worldcoin Resistance

Kenya has taken a proactive stance against Worldcoin, suspending its activities until experts can assess the risks and benefits of the project. The country's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Centre (NCIC) expressed concerns about the collection of biometric data and the potential for privacy breaches.

"We want to ensure that Kenyans are not used as guinea pigs in this experiment," said NCIC CEO Ezekiel Kittony.

A Global Probe into Worldcoin's Data Tactics

Regulators around the world are taking a closer look at Worldcoin's data collection practices. The project has faced scrutiny in multiple countries, including Portugal, Spain, Germany, the UK, and Kenya.

These investigations could have far-reaching implications for Worldcoin and its ambitious mission to distribute cryptocurrency and digital IDs globally.