{"id":41799,"date":"2023-07-28T20:33:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-29T00:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifintechworld.com\/markets\/crypto\/french-privacy-watchdog-raises-concerns-over-worldcoins-data-collection-collaborating-with-germany-for-investigation\/"},"modified":"2023-07-28T20:33:08","modified_gmt":"2023-07-29T00:33:08","slug":"french-privacy-watchdog-raises-concerns-over-worldcoins-data-collection-collaborating-with-germany-for-investigation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ifintechworld.com\/?p=41799","title":{"rendered":"French Privacy Watchdog Raises Concerns Over Worldcoin’s Data Collection; Collaborating with Germany for Investigation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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European regulators, including the French National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) and the Bavarian state authority in Germany, are raising legal concerns about Worldcoin’s data collection methods.<\/p>\n

In an email on Friday, July 28, CNIL said: “The legality of this collection seems questionable, as do the conditions for storing biometric data.”<\/p>\n

Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, launched on June 24 with an ambitious plan to scan the irises of millions of people in 20 countries, granting them a “digital passport” called “World ID” and rewarding them with 25 WLD, the project’s native token.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The aim is to provide individuals with a means to verify their humanity and distinguish themselves from robots as artificial intelligence becomes more influential.<\/p>\n

However, concerns surrounding data privacy, security, and data collection have emerged, leading to investigations by CNIL, the French privacy watchdog.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CNIL is also collaborating with the Bavarian state authority in Germany to address these issues associated with Worldcoin.<\/p>\n

Worldcoin Faces Challenges Despite Attracting 2.1 Million Sign-Ups During Trial Period<\/h2>\n
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Worldcoin’s website indicates they have amassed 2.1 million sign-ups during their two-year trial period. Since the official launch, the company proudly boasts on Twitter that a unique human verifies their World ID every 7.6 seconds, leading to daily records.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They have shared photos of their orbs in cities like Seoul, Mexico City, and Paris since the launch on July 24.<\/p>\n

Although a video shared by Co-founder Sam Altman showed people in Japan lining up to provide their iris scans in exchange for “free” Worldcoin (WLD) tokens, the company finds it hard attracting new sign-ups.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Only about 200 people signed up on the first day at each of the three designated locations in Hong Kong, totaling 600.<\/p>\n

While Altman claims strong consumer interest and “crazy lines around the world,” the numbers suggest a slow path to achieving mass adoption.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, Worldcoin has announced plans to significantly increase the number of orbs in significant cities as the year progresses, aiming to have five times more sign-up capacity.<\/p>\n

Worldcoin’s Controversial Project Sparks Mixed Reactions and Draws Attention from Regulators<\/h2>\n

Worldcoin’s project has sparked mixed reactions within the crypto community. While some users have expressed concerns about its centralization, others view the proof-of-personhood as a necessary measure to address the growing presence of AI.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The British Information Commissioner’s Office has confirmed that it is investigating the project, as organizations must conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment for collecting “high-risk” information.<\/p>\n

Even prominent figures in the crypto space, like Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, have raised alarms.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Buterin warned that Worldcoin has “major issues,” particularly regarding the potential accidental exposure of sensitive personal information such as sex, ethnicity, and possibly medical conditions through iris scans.<\/p>\n

In response to privacy concerns, Worldcoin stated its compliance with data protection laws, including the GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The company committed to cooperating with governing bodies regarding privacy and data protection inquiries. Worldcoin further mentioned conducting a comprehensive Data Protection Impact Assessment in the UK with the assistance of a top-tier law firm.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Additionally, the company assured that it would promptly address individual requests for deleting personal data.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n