Worldcoin’s proof-of-humanity initiative will continue its suspension in Spain until the end of 2024, or until the ongoing GDPR audit is concluded. The German regulatory body responsible for ensuring compliance with the EU’s data protection regulations is currently conducting this audit.
Worldcoin’s Suspension Details
Worldcoin has voluntarily extended its operational halt in Spain, aligning with the directives from the Bavarian Data Protection Authority (BayLDA), which oversees the project’s GDPR adherence. Tools for Humanity, a significant contributor to Worldcoin, confirmed this extension in a recent statement.
Commitment to Compliance
“Tools for Humanity, a Worldcoin contributor, voluntarily offered to extend the pause of Worldcoin orb operations in Spain,” the statement mentioned. This move is part of the company’s efforts to cooperate with the BayLDA’s comprehensive review process.
Background and Purpose
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman co-founded Tools for Humanity, which drives the Worldcoin project. This initiative aims to create a system where individuals can verify their human identity through biometric data. Participants receive WLD tokens in exchange for having their irises scanned by a Worldcoin orb, establishing a unique World ID.
Significance of Digital Identity
The project underscores the importance of digital identities in differentiating humans from AI bots, a critical issue as AI technologies proliferate. Tools for Humanity and other companies believe that these measures are essential for the future internet landscape.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Several regulatory bodies have scrutinized Worldcoin due to concerns over personal data protection. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) initially ordered the suspension of Worldcoin’s operations in Spain back in March, reinforcing its stance in a recent statement.
AEPD’s Official Position
Tools for Humanity “has now made a legally binding commitment not to resume its activity in Spain until the end of the year or, if applicable, until the BayLDA adopts a final resolution in relation to the data processing carried out by the company,” stated the AEPD. The BayLDA is the principal authority concerning data processing as per GDPR guidelines.
Measures to Address Privacy Concerns
Over the past year, Tools for Humanity has been actively cooperating with BayLDA and has implemented several measures to address privacy concerns. In March, Worldcoin introduced the “Personal Custody” initiative, preventing new signups from storing and encrypting their biometric data. Additionally, individuals who previously signed up can now request the deletion of their biometric “iris code.” Worldcoin also set an age restriction, barring those under 18 from participating.
Community Support and Feedback
“While it is encouraging that, in a recent survey of World ID users in Spain, more than 80% of the 21,000 respondents said they believe technologies like World ID are important to distinguish between bots and humans online, and nearly 90% of them support the project’s return to Spain, we voluntarily offered to extend pausing orb operations in the country,” stated Tools for Humanity’s Chief Legal Officer, Thomas Scott.
Conclusion
Worldcoin’s commitment to data protection and compliance with GDPR is evident in its proactive suspension and cooperation with regulatory bodies. As the audit progresses, the project’s return to Spain remains contingent on meeting stringent data privacy standards, ensuring the security of participants’ biometric information.
