- The Spanish watchdog has announced a three-month ban on Worldcoin after several complaints regarding insufficient information.
- Worldcoin data protection officer Jannick Preiwisch’s talks with AEPD have gone unanswered for months.
- “EAPD is spreading inaccurate information regarding our technology,” said Preiwisch.
The Spanish regulatory authority has imposed a three-month suspension on the Worldcoin cryptocurrency following numerous complaints about inadequate disclosure of information. Efforts by Worldcoin’s data protection officer, Jannick Preiwisch, to engage in dialogue with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) have remained unacknowledged for several months. “The AEPD is disseminating incorrect information about our technology,” Preiwisch stated.
Spanish regulators have instituted a temporary three-month ban on Worldcoin due to privacy concerns. Participants receive WLD by scanning their eyeballs using special orbs, which, in exchange, grants them the cryptocurrency. However, the Spanish authorities have halted the ongoing project for three months to conduct a more thorough investigation into the data collected from participants.
On Wednesday, Spain’s Agency for Privacy and Data Protection announced to the Worldcoin Tool for Humanity Cooperation that it would cease collecting people’s data and retain the information already gathered. The AEPD’s decision followed several complaints related to inadequate information disclosure, data collection from minors, and the inability to withdraw consent.
“This precautionary measure is a decision based on exceptional circumstances where it’s necessary and proportionate to implement temporary measures. These aim to immediately stop such personal data processing, prevent potential transfers to third parties, and safeguard the fundamental right to personal data protection,” stated the AEPD.
In response, Worldcoin claimed that the Spanish Data Protection Authority was “bypassing EU law” and “propagating inaccurate and misleading information about our technology.” Preiwisch mentioned, “We appreciate the opportunity to assist the AEPD in better understanding the crucial facts regarding this essential and lawful technology.”
There appears to be a disconnect between Worldcoin and various data privacy authorities globally. While Worldcoin maintains that it offers a unique and secure identification method, authorities perceive a risk in the potential misuse of collected data, such as for targeted marketing.
These concerns have prompted multiple countries to scrutinize Worldcoin’s operations. France and Germany are currently investigating the company, South Korea began an investigation earlier in March, and Hong Kong is probing six Worldcoin facilities.
Notably, Kenya has completely halted Worldcoin operations after thousands of its citizens underwent eyeball scans. In Spain, cities like Madrid and Barcelona have seen over 360,000 individuals queueing to register for Worldcoin at orb locations. According to a recent report, 4 million people from 120 countries have already signed up for Worldcoin.