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Scrutiny of Worldcoin iris scanning crypto project grows | Technology news
A growing number of governments around the world are taking a hard look at Worldcoin, a crypto project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and launched in July.
Nearly 2.3 million people around the world have signed up to have their irises scanned by Worldcoin’s “orb” devices in exchange for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency.
Altman says his ID will allow users to, among other things, prove online that they are human, particularly in a future world dominated by artificial intelligence.
Worldcoin has drawn criticism from privacy activists for its data collection. It said biometric data is deleted or stored in encrypted form and that it is “committed” to cooperating with regulators.
Here are the latest actions taken by governments:
ARGENTINA
In Argentina, where Worldcoin says interest in the project is strong, data regulator Agencia de Acceso a Informacion Publica (AAIP) said last month it was investigating Worldcoin over data collection, storage and use personal.
In a letter dated August 7, the AAIP asked Worldcoin for information on the project, including risk mitigation and the “legal basis for the processing of personal data.”
GREAT BRITAIN
Britain’s data regulator said in July it would review Worldcoin.
“We note the launch of Worldcoin in the UK and will investigate further,” the Information Commissioner’s Office said.
FRANCE
French data watchdog CNIL carried out “checks” at Worldcoin’s Paris office this week, a spokesperson said on August 31.
The CNIL had previously said it was aware of the Worldcoin project and that the legality of the biometric data collection “seems questionable”.
GERMANY
A German data watchdog has been investigating Worldcoin since late last year due to concerns over its large-scale processing of sensitive biometric data.
Financial regulator Bafin is also investigating the digital currency, according to German business newspaper Handelsblatt.
KENYA
Kenya suspended local Worldcoin operations in August while the government assesses potential public safety risks.
A preliminary review had raised concerns, including that obtaining consumer consent in exchange for a monetary reward bordered on an inducement, the Communications Authority of Kenya and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner said.
PORTUGAL
Portugal’s data regulator, the CNPD, has inspected Worldcoin’s local data collection operation and has been in contact with the Bavarian data protection authority in Germany, a spokesperson said.
The CNPD will make the outcome of its investigation public “in due course,” he said.