Worldcoin Halts Spanish Operations Over Data Probe
2 min read
Worldcoin Halts Spanish Operations Over Data Probe
The Spanish data protection authority has announced that Worldcoin will not resume its activities in Spain for the remainder of the year. The announcement was made on June 4 by the Spanish Agency for Data Protection (AEPD). According to the AEPD, Tools for Humanity Corporation, which is responsible for Worldcoin, has agreed to halt its data collection and processing activities in Spain until the end of 2024 or until the completion of an ongoing investigation.
Currently, the Worldcoin project is under investigation by the Bavarian data protection authority in Germany, Bayerisches Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht (BayLDA). The investigation is focused on the organization’s handling of personal user data. The Spanish data protection authority is also involved, and the final decision is expected to be made in coordination with all relevant European supervisory authorities.
During this period of scrutiny, the BayLDA is making progress with the investigation and is anticipated to reach a conclusion soon. This decision will be aligned with those of other European supervisory authorities. The Spanish authorities originally ordered Worldcoin to stop collecting and processing data in March 2024. As part of the probe, Worldcoin has enhanced its security measures, including open-sourcing its biometric data system and allowing users to securely delete old iris codes.
Worldcoin has also introduced more robust controls to verify users’ ages and has provided the option to remove iris codes. These improvements reflect Worldcoin’s effort to address the concerns raised by the authorities about the handling of personal data.
Despite these regulatory hurdles, the Worldcoin project has faced scrutiny from various other countries. In May, Hong Kong authorities ordered the project to halt operations due to the retention of sensitive biometric data for up to ten years, which included face and iris images. This decision was made because the reasons for keeping such data for AI model training were found to be unconvincing.
Interestingly, Worldcoin has been gaining a significant user base despite the regulatory challenges. By April 2024, the project had hit milestones of 10 million users and conducted over 70 million transactions. The project gained additional attention when a man in Africa used its cryptocurrency to purchase around 13 goats.
In April, Worldcoin also announced the launch of a new “human-centric” blockchain network dubbed World Chain. This network aims to prioritize human users, enhance system efficiency, and promote real-world applications in the Web3 space. Worldcoin disclosed plans to increase the supply of its token, WLD, by up to 19% over the next six months.
While Worldcoin faces regulatory investigations and restrictions, it continues to grow and evolve. The project is making efforts to comply with data protection standards while expanding its user base and technological capabilities. This period of heightened scrutiny may lead to important changes in how Worldcoin operates and manages user data in the future.
Worldcoin’s improvements reflect a serious effort to comply with regulations and protect users. Admirable dedication! 🌍👏
Seeing Worldcoin’s user growth despite challenges shows the potential of the project.
This pause might be just what Worldcoin needs to ensure everyone’s data is safe. Smart move!
Seeing organizations like Worldcoin prioritize user data protection makes me feel secure. Keep it up! 🔒🤗
If theyre under investigation in so many places, they must be doing something wrong!
Love that Worldcoin is allowing users to securely delete old iris codes. Privacy matters!
Why can’t they sort out their data practices properly? It’s really frustrating.
Why does it take so long for these companies to understand basic data protection? 🤬
Transparency and security are key! Happy to see Worldcoin open-sourcing its biometric data system.
Halting the operations isnt enough, there should be stricter penalties.
It’s 2023 and companies still don’t know how to handle user data responsibly. Disappointing. 🤦♂️
Excited for Worldcoin’s future once these data protection measures are fully in place. A strong foundation!
This level of attention to user data security is what every tech company should aim for. Great job, Worldcoin! 🎯🔐
I’m glad the authorities are stepping in. Worldcoin cant be trusted with data.
Worldcoin’s dedication to enhancing security measures is commendable. Great progress!
Seeing Worldcoin’s improvements in data privacy makes me more confident in their project. Well done! 😊✔️
Another day, another tech scandal. When will they learn?
Worldcoin getting booted out by another country. Does this surprise anyone?
Good riddance! They’ve been mishandling our data for too long! 🙄
Great, another crypto company messing up with data privacy. Can’t they just follow the rules? 😠
Just when you think you can trust a new tech, they prove you wrong.
Great to see Worldcoin’s commitment to resolving these issues. Progress in the right direction!
Impressed with how Worldcoin is adapting to meet data protection standards. This shows their commitment to user privacy. 👏🔄
Wow, this is a big step for data privacy in Spain! So glad to see Worldcoin cooperating with the authorities.
Pausing operations for the year just shows they can’t get their act together.
It’s great to see Worldcoin taking regulatory concerns seriously and stepping up their data protection measures! 📊👍
Good job to the Spanish data protection authority for ensuring our personal data is handled with care!
Worldcoin pausing operations to focus on data protection is a responsible step. Privacy should always come first!
It’s reassuring to see comprehensive investigations to protect our information. Hats off to AEPD and BayLDA! 🎩🔍
Regulatory oversight is crucial, and Worldcoin’s response is encouraging. Safety first!
User privacy is top priority, and I’m glad Worldcoin is making that clear. Well done!
Protecting user data while expanding is not easybig props to Worldcoin for navigating this tough period!
Love that Worldcoin balances between innovation and regulatory compliance. A fine example!
Kudos to Worldcoin for pausing to address these important data protection issues. It’s a responsible move!
Worldcoin’s proactive changes to meet data protection standards are impressive! This will build trust.
It’s great to see that even with regulatory pressure, Worldcoin continues to grow and innovate. Keep it up!
Sounds like a desperate attempt to cover up how poorly they’ve managed user data. 👀
What’s the point of their so-called ‘security improvements’ if they can’t even resume operations? 😒