Worldcoin, the controversial crypto biometrics venture, is now banned from nearly all of Europe with the latest prohibition taking place in Portugal due to concerns over data protection. This makes Germany the last standing European country where Worldcoin can currently operate.
Portugal’s data protection authority issued a three-month ban due to complaints about Worldcoin allegedly scanning children’s eyes and not providing enough data about the nature of their sensitive information. Also, users reportedly have no means to delete their data or revoke consent.
The inherent conflict lies in Worldcoin’s method of storing tokens derived from scanned biometrics using blockchain technology, meaning personal data is permanently retained and cannot be deleted. This clearly breaches EU data regulation laws, which allow individuals the ability to amend or delete their personal information.
The Portuguese authority, CNPD, stated it acted after “dozens” of complaints about Worldcoin were filed. The authority noted the company had scanned the irises of more than 300,000 people in Portugal with no age verification system in place.
The company has been given 24 hours to comply with the local stop processing order. At present, the Worldcoin.org website no longer lists Portugal as a country where eyeball scans can be booked, implying they have met the compliance deadline.
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