Scrutiny of iris-scanning crypto project Worldcoin grows
Worldcoin, a crypto project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that was launc hed in July.
Almost 2.3 million people globally have signed up to have their irises scanned by Worldcoin's «orb» devices in exchange for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency.
Elevate Your Tech Process with High-Value Skill Courses
Offering CollegeCourseWebsiteNorthwestern UniversityKellogg Post Graduate Certificate in Product ManagementVisitIndian School of BusinessISB Product ManagementVisitIIM LucknowIIML Executive Programme in Data ScienceVisitIndian School of BusinessISB Applied Business AnalyticsVisit Altman says its ID will allow users to, among other things, prove online that they are human, notably in a future world dominated by artificial intelligence.
Worldcoin has drawn criticism from privacy campaigners over its data collection. It has said the biometric data is either deleted or stored in encrypted form, and that it is «committed» to working with regulators.
Here's the latest on action taken by governments:
Argentina
In Argentina, where Worldcoin says interest in the project is strong, the Agencia de Acceso a Informacion Publica (AAIP) data regulator said last month it was investigating Worldcoin over its collection, storage and use of personal data.
In a letter dated Aug. 7, the AAIP asked Worldcoin for information about the project, including mitigation of risks and the «legal basis for the processing of personal data.»
Britain
Britain's data regulator said in July that it would examine Worldcoin.
«We note the launch of Worldcoin in the UK and will be making further enquiries,» the Information Commissioner's Office said.
France
France's data watchdog CNIL carried out «checks» at Worldcoin's Paris office this week, a spokesperson
