Many Countries Check Worldcoin Regarding Data Collection

Orb, an eye slice scanner from Worldcoin. (photo: twitter @worldcoin)

The more governments around the world check Worldcoin, a crypto project founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, launched in July.

Nearly 2.3 million people worldwide have signed up to scan their slices with Worldcoin's "orb" devices in exchange for free digital IDs and crypto.

Altman said that their ID will allow users, among others, to prove online that they are humans, especially in a future world dominated by artificial intelligence.

Worldcoin has received criticism from privacy activists regarding their data collection. They said that the biometric data was deleted or stored in encrypted form, and they were "committed" to cooperate with regulators.

The following are the latest developments regarding actions taken by the government:

Argentina

In Argentina, where Worldcoin says interest in the project is high, data regulatory authority Agencia de Acceso a Information Publica (AAIP) said last month it was investigating Worldcoin related to collection, storage, and use of personal data.

In a letter August 7, AAIP requested information from Worldcoin on the project, including risk mitigation and "laws for processing personal data."

Great Britain

UK data watchdog said in July that they would examine Worldcoin.

"We are recording the launch of Worldcoin in the UK and will conduct further investigations," the Information Commissioner's Office said.

France

France's CNIL data monitoring authority conducted a "check" at the Worldcoin office in Paris this week, a spokesman said on August 31.

CNIL previously said that it was aware of the Worldcoin project and that its legality of biometric data collection "seems doubtful".

Germany

Since late last year, German data regulatory authorities have been investigating Worldcoin due to concerns over large-scale processing of biometric data, he said in a statement.

The financial authority of Bafin is also investigating the digital currency, according to German Business Daily Handelsblatt.

Kenya

In August, Kenya suspended local Worldcoin activity while the government assessed a potential risk to public safety.

Preliminary reviews have raised concerns, including that obtaining consumer approval in exchange for money appears to be hitting incentive limits, the Kenyan Communications Authority and the Office of Data Protection Commissioners said.

Portugal

Portugal's data watchdog, CNPD, has examined Worldcoin's local data collection operations and has been in contact with data protection authorities in Bayern, Germany, a spokesman said.

CNPD will announce the results of its investigation "at the right time," they said.