Regulatory Authority in Portugal Orders Worldcoin to Cease Biometric Data Collection
In a recent development, the regulatory authority in Portugal has issued an order to Worldcoin, a project centered around “proof of personality,” to stop the collection of biometric data from individuals. This decision comes as a setback for the project, which assigns cryptographic tokens to individuals by scanning their irises to verify their humanity.
The Decision by the Portuguese Data Regulatory Authority
- Worldcoin faces another hurdle in Europe regarding its “Proof of Personhood” project
- The CNPD in Portugal has mandated a 90-day suspension of personal data collection
- The project was suspended in Spain for three months previously
- Over 300,000 people in Portugal have provided their biometric data to Worldcoin
The Portuguese data protection authority, CNPD, raised concerns about the project’s impact on citizens’ data protection rights. The intervention was deemed necessary to prevent any serious infringements. Even though Tools for Humanity, a key software partner of Worldcoin, claimed compliance with all laws related to biometric data collection, the CNPD highlighted issues such as registrations of minors that need to be addressed.
“Personal Custody”: User Control Over Biometric Data
- Worldcoin introduces “Personal Custody” to enhance user control over personal data
- New process eliminates storing and encrypting biometric data
- Users now have the option to manage their data independently
The launch of “Personal Custody” by Worldcoin aims to empower users to manage their personal data without having it stored or encrypted. This feature provides users with peace of mind and control over their information. Previously, users could opt-in to have their data stored by Worldcoin, but this new process gives them full authority over their data, ensuring transparency and trust.
Open Sourcing the Orb Software by Worldcoin Foundation
- Worldcoin Foundation releases key components of Orb software as open source
- Main components now available on GitHub with dual MIT/Apache 2.0 license
- Move promotes transparency and community-driven development
The Worldcoin Foundation’s decision to make the Orb software open source signifies a significant step towards transparency and community collaboration in its development process. By releasing the main components on GitHub with a dual license, the Foundation aims to encourage innovation and trust within the technology community. This initiative allows developers to understand and contribute to Orb’s capabilities, enhancing transparency and verifiability of the software’s privacy features.
Hot Take: Worldcoin’s Regulatory Challenges
Following regulatory intervention in Portugal, Worldcoin faces obstacles in its biometric data collection practices. The project’s commitment to transparency and user control is being tested as regulatory authorities raise concerns about data protection. Moving forward, Worldcoin must navigate these challenges to ensure compliance while upholding its mission to revolutionize identity verification technology.
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