Worldcoin's Spain Ban Extended Until 2024 Pending Data Privacy Audit

Worldcoin's proof-of-humanity project will continue to halt operations in Spain until the end of 2024 or until an ongoing GDPR audit is completed. This decision follows an investigation by the German authority overseeing compliance with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Worldcoin, represented by its token WLD, announced the extension of its suspension in Spain, a move voluntarily proposed by Tools for Humanity, a key contributor to the project. The organization aims to ensure compliance with data protection regulations before resuming operations.

Tools for Humanity, co-created by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, leads the Worldcoin project. The initiative seeks to establish a system where individuals can prove their humanity through digital identities. Participants receive WLD tokens as an incentive for scanning their eyeballs with a Worldcoin orb, creating a World ID that confirms their personhood.

This system is designed to differentiate humans from AI-powered online agents. As AI actors are expected to proliferate future internet iterations, establishing human digital identities becomes crucial. Tools for Humanity emphasizes the importance of such technologies for maintaining online integrity.

Worldcoin has faced significant scrutiny from various government agencies over concerns about personal data protection. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) ordered Worldcoin to cease operations in Spain in March. On Tuesday, the AEPD reiterated its stance, noting that Tools for Humanity has legally committed not to resume operations in Spain until the end of the year or until the Bavarian Data Protection Authority (BayLDA) concludes its audit.

The BayLDA, the primary authority for data processing under GDPR, is responsible for overseeing Worldcoin's compliance with data protection regulations. Tools for Humanity has been cooperating with the BayLDA for over a year to address these concerns. In recent months, the organization has taken additional steps to reassure data privacy advocates about the protection of biometric data collected by Worldcoin.

In March, Worldcoin introduced "Personal Custody," an initiative preventing new signups from storing and encrypting their biometric data. The project also allowed existing users to request the deletion of their numeric “iris code” created during the scanning process. Worldcoin also implemented measures to prevent individuals under 18 from signing up.

Despite regulatory challenges, there is significant public support for Worldcoin in Spain. According to a recent survey, over 80% of the 21,000 World ID users in Spain believe technologies like World ID are essential for distinguishing between bots and humans online. Nearly 90% support the project’s return to Spain.

Thomas Scott, Chief Legal Officer of Tools for Humanity, expressed optimism about the project's future in Spain. “While it is encouraging that a significant majority of World ID users in Spain see the importance of our technology, we have voluntarily extended the pause of orb operations to ensure full compliance with data protection regulations,” Scott said.

Worldcoin’s continued suspension in Spain underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and data protection in emerging technologies. The ongoing audit by the BayLDA will determine the future of Worldcoin’s operations in Spain. Meanwhile, Tools for Humanity remains committed to addressing privacy concerns and enhancing the security of biometric data.

The project’s efforts to differentiate humans from AI agents online have garnered substantial public support, indicating a strong potential for its eventual return to Spain. As the audit progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that balances innovation with stringent data protection standards.