Global crackdown on Worldcoin's iris-scanning data practices
Worldcoin, Sam Altman's biometric identity verification project, reportedly faces regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action in more than a dozen countries over its collection and handling of iris-scan data. Authorities have suspended operations, conducted raids, and fined the project, citing concerns about data privacy, algorithm training practices, and verification of user age.
What happened
Worldcoin, which verifies 'humanness' by scanning irises using a basketball-sized chrome device called the Orb, has been raided in Hong Kong, blocked in Spain, fined in Argentina, and criminally investigated in Kenya.
More than a dozen jurisdictions have either suspended Worldcoin's operations or looked into its data processing. Authorities have cast scrutiny over the project in at least 14 countries including France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Chile.
The project claimed its technology is completely private with Orbs deleting all images after verification and iris codes containing no personal information unless users permit Worldcoin to train its algorithms with their scans.
Reported impact
Several authorities accused Worldcoin of telling Orb operators, typically independent contractors, to encourage users to hand over their biometric data.
Worldcoin was caught signing up children for iris verification in Portugal, leading to a promise to implement age verification measures.
Index analysis
Concerns among regulators include how the Cayman Islands-registered Worldcoin Foundation handles user data, trains its algorithms, and avoids scanning children.
A ruling is pending on whether Worldcoin can continue operating in the European Union.
Governance controls
Worldcoin's chief privacy officer stated that distrust was inevitable and the company was working with regulators.
In Argentina, the project was fined $200,000 over alleged abusive clauses in its terms of service. Only Kenya closed its probe after a year-long suspension of the project.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.