Worldcoin Faces European Ban Over Child Safety Concerns

Portugal Bans Controversial Crypto Biometrics⁣ Venture Worldcoin

Worldcoin,⁣ a contentious crypto biometrics enterprise, has been nearly completely ​expelled from Europe‍ following another temporary prohibition, this time in ‌Portugal. The directive from the⁢ nation’s data protection‌ authority closely follows a similar three-month stop-processing order issued⁤ by Spain’s DPA earlier this month.

Worldcoin’s Operations in Europe

Portugal ⁢was one of only two⁤ European⁤ nations where Worldcoin was still operating its proprietary eyeball-scanning orbs after⁢ Spain’s ban. Germany now remains the sole market in Europe where it can collect biometrics as privacy watchdogs⁣ take swift action to address local concerns.

Complaints Received by Portugal’s Data Protection Authority

Portugal’s data protection authority, the CNPD, announced it had issued a three-month ban⁣ on Worldcoin’s local operations Tuesday after receiving complaints that Worldcoin had scanned children’s eyeballs. Other complaints mentioned in‍ its press release announcing the suspension, which it issued Monday, also echo Spain’s DPA’s concerns, including:

• Insufficient information‍ provided to users about the‍ processing of their sensitive biometric data
• The inability‌ of users to⁣ delete their data or ⁤revoke consent to Worldcoin’s processing

Conflict with EU Data Protection Law

Worldcoin’s ‌use of blockchain technology to store tokens derived from scanned biometrics means the⁢ system is designed to retain personal ⁢data permanently, without ​recourse for people to erase their information after the fact.‌ This conflicts with EU data protection law, which grants ⁣individuals in the region ‍a set of rights over their personal data, ‍including the ability to have data about them corrected, amended, or deleted.

Risks to Children’s Data

The CNPD notes that Worldcoin’s orb operators had no age verification in place, suggesting it was not ‌taking robust steps to prevent children from ‌accessing the technology.

Biometric data qualifies as ​special data under GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation] and therefore enjoys increased protection, with the risks of its treatment being high. On ⁣the other hand, minors are particularly vulnerable and are also subject to special protection under national and European law, as they may be less aware ⁢of the risks and consequences of the processing of their personal data, as well as their rights.

Worldcoin’s Compliance and Response

The Portuguese authority gave Worldcoin ⁤24 hours to comply with the local stop processing order. The Worldcoin.org website no longer includes Portugal⁤ in the dwindling list​ of countries where eyeball scans ‌can be booked, suggesting it has complied with the deadline.

In a statement, Jannick Preiwisch,⁤ data​ protection officer at the Worldcoin Foundation, claimed to be “fully compliant with all laws and regulations governing the collection ⁣and transfer of biometric data, including Europe’s‍ General Data Protection Regulation.” He ‍added that the report from CNPD is the first time they are hearing from them⁢ regarding many of these matters, including reports of‍ underage sign-ups in ⁢Portugal, for which they have zero tolerance and are working to address in​ all instances.

Ongoing Investigations and ​Future Implications

The Bavarian ⁤DPA, which leads on data protection oversight of Worldcoin and has been investigating the company since last year, has yet to take any public‌ intervention despite peer authorities in Southern Europe making⁤ urgent interventions to protect citizens in their own markets. The CNPD stated it will continue to investigate Worldcoin’s local activity, emphasizing the importance of defending the public⁣ interest⁢ in safeguarding fundamental rights, especially those of⁣ minors.