Mar 12, 2024 10:36:00

Iris recognition virtual currency “Worldcoin” fails to suspend suspension order

Spain's data protection authority,

Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), has imposed restrictions on the collection and collection of personal data regarding Worldcoin , a virtual currency project by OpenAI's Sam Altman that allows you to earn virtual currency by scanning your iris. Regarding the temporary suspension of processing, the High Court rejected Worldcoin's request for an ``injunction to suspend the suspension order.''

Worldcoin fails to get injunction against Spain's privacy suspension | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/11/worldcoin-fails-to-get-injunction-against-spains-privacy-suspension/

Worldcoin, launched in July 2023 by Tools for Humanity, a technology company co-founded by Sam Altman, downloads the wallet app 'World App' and uses the biometric authentication device 'Orb' to scan the iris. By scanning it, you can receive the digital currency 'WLD'.

Tools for Humanity explains the intent of the iris scan as ``to generate a hash and grant virtual currency to users using zero-knowledge proofs .''

OpenAI's Sam Altman's virtual currency 'Worldcoin' officially begins service - GIGAZINE

However, on March 6, 2024, AEPD asserted that ``there are concerns about the confidentiality of the biometric data collected, which may pose a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals.'' Tools for Humanity has been ordered to cease collecting and processing personal data in Spain and to block data already collected.

Spain orders suspension of iris authentication virtual currency ``Worldcoin'' launched by Sam Altman - GIGAZINE

On the other hand, Tools for Humanity claims that ``AEPD's suspension order of Worldcoin based on the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an act of overstepping its authority,'' and asked the Spanish High Court to block the suspension order. I asked for In addition, Tools for Humanity said, ``Suspending Worldcoin will not only result in financial loss for our company, but will also harm our global business, including lowering our reputation and reducing the chances of future success for our high court scanning business.'' It will cause irreparable damage.”

However, the High Court ruled that AEPD's suspension order against Worldcoin was justified due to the risks associated with biometric data and the sheer number of individuals, including minors, at risk from Worldcoin's processing. I decided that it would be done. In other words, the High Court's decision has decided that Worldcoin's services will be suspended in Spain for up to three months.

The High Court has emphasized that AEPD's temporary suspension order is time-limited and that if it wins in a future court case, it will be able to claim damages from AEPD.

'Worldcoin is fully compliant with all laws and regulations governing the collection and transfer of biometric data, including the GDPR,' said Rebecca Hahn, spokesperson for Tools for Humanity. Despite this failure, we look forward to the opportunity to explain our compliance before the Spanish High Court and provide regulators with information about Worldcoin's important and legitimate technology.' .