Worldcoin Halts Operations in Spain Amid Data Protection Probe
Worldcoin has agreed to suspend its activities in Spain until the end of 2024 or until the German data authority resolves ongoing data protection investigations. The Spanish Agency for Data Protection (AEPD) announced on June 4 that Tools for Humanity Corporation, the entity behind Worldcoin, will halt data collection and processing in Spain during this period. This decision follows a directive from the Bavarian data protection authority, Bayerische Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht (BayLDA), which is currently investigating Worldcoin’s handling of personal user data.
The BayLDA is expected to conclude its investigation soon, with a final decision that aligns with other European supervisory authorities, including those in Spain. In March 2024, Spanish authorities ordered Worldcoin to cease its data collection activities within the country. In response, Worldcoin has enhanced its security measures by open-sourcing its biometric data system and allowing users to securely delete old iris codes. Additionally, they have implemented more stringent age verification controls and options for removing iris codes.
Despite regulatory scrutiny, Worldcoin has continued to grow its user base, reaching 10 million users and 70 million transactions by April 2024. The project also launched its own blockchain network, World Chain, designed to prioritize human users and enhance efficiency in Web3 applications. Worldcoin plans to increase the supply of its token, WLD, by up to 19% over the next six months.
Worldcoin’s practices have faced criticism beyond Europe, with operations halted in Hong Kong due to concerns over the retention of biometric data for up to 10 years for AI model training. However, the project remains committed to expanding its reach and enhancing its technological capabilities.
