French Privacy Regulator Investigates Worldcoin Over Data Collection
- CNIL and German regulator investigate Worldcoin for questionable data collection and storage practices.
- The project is also under investigation in the U.K. for similar reasons.
- Worldcoin Foundation claims to comply with all laws and regulations governing the processing of personal data.
What Is Worldcoin?
WorldCoin is a controversial project that has drawn intense criticism over its iris scan technology. It was created by an anonymous developer, and its primary European regulator is located in Germany. The project is also under investigation in the U.K. for similar reasons.
What Are the Concerns?
The French privacy regulator CNIL has initiated a probe into Worldcoin over concerns that its data collection and storage practices may not be entirely legal, Reuters reported on July 28th. The watchdog is collaborating with its German counterpart as it directly oversees the project as its primary European regulator. The CNIL told the newswire: “The legality of this collection seems questionable, as do the conditions for storing biometric data.“
What Does the Worldcoin Foundation Say?
In response to these allegations, WorldCoin Foundation told CryptoSlate via email: “The WorldCoin Foundation complies with all laws and regulations governing the processing of personal data.“
Are There Any Other Investigations Into WorldCoin?
Yes, there are other investigations into WorldCoin as well. In addition to France’s CNIL and Germany’s regulators, the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has opened an inquiry into whether or not certain activities of WorldCoin fall within their jurisdiction and if they should be regulated accordingly.
