The Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA) has ordered Worldcoin to implement stricter privacy measures after concluding its investigation into the company’s biometric data practices.
Worldcoin’s (WLD), has been asked to implement a data-erasure process that is GDPR compliant within a month. BayLDA required that the company obtain explicit consent from users for certain data-processing activities, and delete any data collected previously without sufficient legal grounds.
The investigation is concluded
The investigation, initiated in April 2023, scrutinized Worldcoin’s collection and use of iris-derived biometric data, which the company uses to create unique digital identities through its World ID system.
The system is intended to verify individuals and avoid duplicate registrations. While Worldcoin voluntary halted its operations in certain EU-countries during the investigation the BayLDA found additional issues.
Michael Will said that he is the president of BayLDA.
“With today’s decision, we are enforcing European fundamental rights standards in favor of the data subjects. All users who provided Worldcoin with their iris data will now have the unrestricted right to demand the erasure of their data.”
The BayLDA’s ruling requires Worldcoin to introduce a GDPR-compliant data deletion process within one month of the decision’s implementation.
The authority ordered that data collected on the basis of insufficient legal bases be deleted. Separate examinations are also being conducted on issues like the protection of children and possible administrative offences.
This investigation was carried out in conjunction with European Data Protection Authorities under the General Data Protection Regulation framework.
Challenges to Regulation
Worldcoin’s operations extend across Europe and globally, making the enforcement of uniform data protection standards complex. Globally, the project is under scrutiny due to its practices regarding biometric data and conformity with local laws. But not all investigations were successful.
In Kenya, authorities initially suspended Worldcoin’s operations over privacy, security, and financial concerns. After a second review, Worldcoin’s investigation was concluded without action as long as the company followed local regulations.
Despite this, scrutiny continues in other regions, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, over data collection practices and potential financial misconduct, highlighting persistent global concerns about the project’s operations.
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