Trends

Sam Altman’s Worldcoin ordered to cease data collection in Spain

On March 6, the Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data (AEPD) issued an order halting Worldcoin’s operations for three months.

WorldCoin Sam Altman

Headline

On March 6, the Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data (AEPD) issued an order halting Worldcoin’s operations for three months.

Context

On March 6, the Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data (AEPD) issued an interim order prohibiting Worldcoin’s operations for a duration of three months, directing the company to cease gathering and processing data within the country. Tools for Humanity, a company that OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman started, is the developer of the Worldcoin product and service.

Evidence

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Analysis

As per the Worldcoin white paper, the aim is to establish a globally inclusive identity and financial network, owned by the majority of humanity, with the objective of paving the way for AI-funded universal basic income. According to the AEPD, the agency is looking into accusations that Worldcoin is allegedly collecting data from minors and that users in Spain are unable to withdraw consent. Based on the AEPD’s statement through translation: “The AEPD, which demands the cessation of the collection and processing of special categories of personal data as well as the blocking of those already collected, has received several complaints denouncing, among other aspects, insufficient information, the collection of data from minors or that the withdrawal of consent is not allowed.” Also read: Worldcoin: Innovating global finance or invading personal privacy?

Key Points

  • The Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data (AEPD) issued an order on March 6, prohibiting Worldcoin’s operations for three months and directing them to cease data collection and processing within Spain.
  • Worldcoin’s product and service, developed by Tools for Humanity, led by OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman, aims to establish a globally inclusive identity and financial network.
  • Worldcoin’s Data Protection Officer, Jannick Preiwisch, asserted that their technology prioritises privacy and safety.

Actions

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Author

Sylvia Shen