AEPD Orders to Halt Worldcoin Data Collection in Spain

As an experienced data privacy analyst, I believe that the Spanish Data Protection Agency’s (AEPD) decision to order Tools for Humanity Corporation to halt the collection and processing of personal data in Spain is a necessary step to protect individuals’ rights and freedoms. The ongoing investigations by the Bavarian data protection authority (BayLDA) add to the growing concerns regarding the company’s data processing practices.


The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has directed Tools for Humanity Corporation to cease gathering and managing personal data in Spain for their Worldcoin project. This action is being taken as a precautionary step, with investigations by the Bavarian data protection authority (BayLDA) approaching completion.

Tools for Humanity Corporation has suspended its operations in Spain until the end of 2024 or until the BayLDA comes to a conclusive decision over the company’s data handling methods. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) issued this halt as a precautionary measure under Article 66.1 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with the goal of safeguarding the privacy rights and freedoms of affected individuals.

In compliance with the AEPD’s interim decision, Tools for Humanity Corporation has unveiled modifications to their procedures. These adjustments include implementing age verification checks and providing an iris code deletion feature. The BayLDA serves as the primary data processing regulatory body in this collaboration, while I, the AEPD, act in the capacity of the concerned authority, according to the GDPR guidelines.

Additionally, investigations are currently underway in Spain and Germany regarding Worldcoin’s activities. Notably, the company was recently expelled from Hong Kong for violating local laws. The Hong Kong investigation revealed that Worldcoin failed to clarify whether customers were required to submit their personal data, resulting in a breach of the Privacy Ordinance.

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2024-06-05 02:12