Growing Scrutiny Surrounds Worldcoin's Iris-Scanning Crypto Project

The Worldcoin crypto project, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is facing increasing scrutiny from governments worldwide.

Launched in July, Worldcoin has attracted nearly 2.3 million people globally who have signed up to have their irises scanned in exchange for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency. However, privacy campaigners have raised concerns about the project's data collection practices.

Worldcoin's "orb" devices, used for iris scanning, have drawn criticism for their collection, storage and use of personal data. In response, Worldcoin has stated that the biometric data is either deleted or stored in encrypted form and has expressed its commitment to working with regulators.

Here is an overview of the actions taken by governments regarding Worldcoin:

ARGENTINA: The Agencia de Acceso a Informacion Publica (AAIP) data regulator in Argentina is investigating Worldcoin over its collection, storage and use of personal data. The regulator has requested information from Worldcoin regarding risk mitigation and the legal basis for processing personal data.

BRITAIN: The Information Commissioner's Office in Britain has announced that it will examine Worldcoin. Further inquiries will be made into the project's operations in the UK.

FRANCE: France's data watchdog, CNIL, has conducted checks at Worldcoin's Paris office. CNIL had previously expressed concerns about the legality of Worldcoin's biometric data collection.

GERMANY: A German data watchdog has been investigating Worldcoin since late last year due to concerns about the project's large-scale processing of sensitive biometric data. The financial regulator, Bafin, is also conducting an investigation into the digital currency.

KENYA: The Kenyan government has suspended Worldcoin's local activities while it assesses potential risks to public safety. A preliminary review raised concerns about the project's consumer consent practices.

PORTUGAL: Portugal's data regulator, CNPD, has inspected Worldcoin's local data collection operation and has been in contact with the Bavarian data protection authority in Germany. The outcome of the inquiry will be made public in due time.

Worldcoin's growing scrutiny reflects the increasing attention paid to the project's data collection practices and its impact on privacy. As governments investigate the project, Worldcoin will need to address concerns and work closely with regulators to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Worldcoin, a crypto project, is facing scrutiny from governments worldwide.
Nearly 2.3 million people have signed up for Worldcoin's iris-scanning project.
Privacy campaigners have raised concerns about data collection practices.

Source: Reuters