The Portuguese Data Controller will ban Worldcoin operations for 90 days

The Portuguese data regulator – the National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) – has announced that it has decided to temporarily limit WorldCoin's use of biometric data through Orbi devices in the country.

According to the CNPD, the decision was made to protect the rights of its citizens, especially minors. The move will take effect immediately and pending the completion of an investigation that began on March 8.

WorldCoin works by scanning individuals' irises through Orb devices, which they exchange for a digital ID and its own cryptocurrency.

Worldcoin was founded by Sam Altman, CEO and founder of artificial intelligence developer OpenAI.

According to the company, more than 4.5 million people in 120 countries have registered with Worldcoin. Portugal reports that 300,000 people have already provided biometric information for the project.

The CNPD said these measures come after receiving “dozens of reports” on the collection of information on minors without proper consent from parents or legal authorities. He explained.

“Considering the current situation, if there is an illegality in the processing of biometric data of minors, in addition to the violation of other GDPR standards, the CNPD understands that the risk to the fundamental rights of citizens is high, which warrants an urgent intervention to prevent serious or serious. irreparable damage”.

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CNPD President Paula Meira Lourenço called the measure “necessary and proper” to effectively protect the public interest in protecting fundamental rights, especially minors.

The complaint was filed with the Worldcoin Foundation, the entity behind the Worldcoin data collection initiative.

These problems follow several other complaints from regulators around the world. The Kenyan government continues to press the United States to loosen its ban on the project.

Legal officials in Spain have told WorldCoin to cease operations in the country after local users complained that they were unable to withdraw their licenses. It is said that information is being collected for minors.

Despite these restrictions, on March 18, Worldcoin released a statement confirming that it “operates legally in all locations” and is designed to fully comply with relevant laws.

On March 22, the project announced that it would open up the software to give users more control over their data and introduce a new “Personal Protection” privacy feature.

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