Worldcoin, the global digital identity and cryptocurrency project, has released new statements addressing its operations and compliance efforts amidst legal uncertainty in Spain. The project, founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, emphasizes its commitment to operating lawfully and complying with relevant laws and regulations. Worldcoin highlights its adherence to major global data protection frameworks, such as Europe’s GDPR and Argentina’s Personal Data Protection Act. The project also emphasizes its policy of not allowing minors to join the platform and its use of “mystery shoppers” to prevent their participation. Worldcoin affirms that it has never sold and will never sell any personal data, including biometric data. The project emphasizes the self-custodial nature of its World ID and World App, ensuring that only the owner possesses personal data. Advanced security features embedded in the Orb hardware safeguard data from unauthorized access. Worldcoin’s ID verification relies on iris biometrics and the images are processed locally on the Orb device and promptly deleted for privacy and security. The project was officially launched in July 2023 and aims to create a digital ID system based on proof of personhood to differentiate between humans and AI. Worldcoin currently faces regulatory scrutiny in Spain, where the Data Protection Agency has issued a temporary order prohibiting data collection for three months. The project has also faced challenges and bans in other countries, including Kenya and Hong Kong, but has expressed intentions to collaborate with the Kenyan government to resume operations.
