The National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) has decided to suspend for 90 days the collection of iris and facial biometric data by the Worldcoin Foundation in order to protect the right to protection of personal data, especially of minors.
The CNPD statement explained that the company has already been informed of this temporary suspension, which will continue until the investigation is completed and a final decision is made on the matter.
This urgent temporary measure follows “dozens of reports” received by CNPD last month alleging the collection of data from minors without the permission of their parents or other legal guardians, as well as deficiencies in information provided by CNPD. copyright holders, if it is impossible to delete data or revoke consent.
Following these complaints, the CNPD already at the beginning of the month advised citizens to think carefully before sharing this data.
In a note published on Tuesday, the CNPD also said that news coverage in the media brought to its attention that more than 300 thousand people in Portugal have already provided their biometric data, an important condition for receiving a certain amount of cryptocurrency called the World coin.
A few months ago, the company began in several countries taking digital images of the irises of people who voluntarily completed this registration, in exchange for compensation in cryptocurrency (a virtual currency used on the Internet) equivalent to approximately 70 euros.
Data collection locations using the Orb device, located in large retail areas, have almost doubled in size in six months.
“The large influx of people, including minors, to join the Worldcoin project and receive “tokens” (cryptocurrency) has led to the need to pre-book the registration process and collect biometric data,” recalls the CNPD, emphasizing that there is “no mechanism for verifying the age of participants “
Biometric data “qualifies as special data in the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)” and therefore enjoys “additional protection,” the CNPD reminds, insisting that the risks of processing this type of data are high.
On the other hand – he emphasizes – “minors are particularly vulnerable people and are also subject to special protection by the European and national legislator, since they may be less aware of the risks, consequences and guarantees of the processing of their personal data, as well as your rights” Thus, the CNPD justifies this “urgent intervention” to “prevent serious or irreparable harm” by the fact that the risk to the fundamental rights of citizens is high.
Quoted in the statement, CNPD President Paula Meira Lourenço believes that “this order of temporary restriction of the collection of biometric data by the Worldcoin Foundation is currently an indispensable and justified measure to obtain a beneficial effect from the protection of public interests in ensuring fundamental rights, especially the rights of minors.”
CNPD says it is continuing its investigation, taking “additional steps” and reviewing the reports it continues to receive daily in an effort to complete the process.
At the beginning of the month, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) ordered the suspension of the company’s activities.
On February 20, AEPD announced it was investigating the company after receiving four complaints.
At the time, Worldcoin accused AEPD of “circumventing European Union law” and publishing “inaccurate and misleading statements” about its technology.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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