Providing Iris Data in Exchange for Cryptocurrency
Under Investigation in Korea, EU, and UK... Prohibited in the US
Global regulatory authorities are increasingly concerned about 'Worldcoin,' a venture company founded by Sam Altman, the creator of ChatGPT and founder of OpenAI.
On the 6th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) ordered a ban on Worldcoin in Spain for up to three months due to complaints regarding the collection of data from minors, lack of information, and refusal to allow withdrawal of consent.
This is the first case of the European Union (EU) imposing sanctions on Worldcoin. The AEPD explained that, considering the sensitive nature of processing biometric data protected under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it judged that Worldcoin involves high risks. In particular, concerns were raised about the collection of personal information from minors.
Worldcoin, co-founded by Sam Altman in 2019, provides its own cryptocurrency 'Worldcoin'?76 units (approximately 800,000 KRW) over one year?in exchange for scanning the iris with an identity verification device called 'Orb.' Altman is collecting iris data as a means of identification in preparation for an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and humans cannot be distinguished. Currently, more than 4 million users from 120 countries worldwide have signed up. After OpenAI released the video generation AI 'Sora,' the price of Worldcoin surged, causing a rapid increase in sign-ups.
Yannick Freibisch, Worldcoin's Data Protection Officer, stated, "World ID is a secure solution that protects personal information to prove humanity in the AI era, and the AEPD is spreading inaccurate and misleading claims about the technology." He also said, "We tried to cooperate with the AEPD to provide accurate information but received no response for several months."
However, concerns about Worldcoin's collection and use of personal information are emerging worldwide. Investigations into potential legal violations are underway, especially in EU countries with strong data protection laws such as France, Germany, and Portugal. In the United States, issuing and trading Worldcoin itself is impossible, and it is also unavailable in China and India. Last year, Kenya issued its first order to halt operations, and the UK and Argentina have also launched investigations. The Korea Personal Information Protection Commission has also started investigating Worldcoin. Privacy activists around the world are criticizing the collection of biometric information.
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