Spanish regulators have listened to a chorus of countries dismissing Sam Altman’s cryptocurrency project, Worldline, over privacy concerns. Co-founded by OpenAI chief Sam Altman, the project, known for its unique method of using an eyeball-scanning device to collect users’ personal data, was rejected after investigations by France, Germany and Kenya.
Reported by The Financial Times, The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has issued a directive for Worldcoin to cease the collection of personal data through its eyeball scans in Spain and to halt the utilization of data already collected, giving a 72 hour order to comply.
The decision marks Spain as the first European country to take definite action against the venture, motivated by worries over the collection of minors’ data. AEPD director Mar España Martí highlights the need for coordinated action within the European Union due to the project’s wide-reaching implications.
Worldcoin’s technology, which offers its cryptocurrency in exchange for eye scans to verify human identity, has raised concerns globally. The project, aiming to differentiate humans from machines in an AI-driven future, has seen investments of around $250 million from reputable firms and individuals. Despite its fast user growth and attracting attention, various countries, including Kenya and potential inquiries in the UK, have expressed apprehensions, primarily centred on privacy and data protection.
Amid the controversy, Worldcoin’s data protection officer, Jannick Preiwisch, criticises the AEPD’s decision as undermining EU law and misrepresenting the project’s technology. Yet, with Spain’s crackdown focusing on the ethical collection and use of biometric data, Worldcoin faces challenges ahead in balancing innovative technology with privacy protections.
