OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's Worldcoin cryptocurrency project is facing allegations of violating personal data protection laws in Colombia. The SIC watchdog has opened an investigation into Worldcoin's collection of user iris data.
Colombia officially launched an investigation into Worldcoin and its parent company Tools for Humanity on August 16, for collecting users’ iris data through the Orb device to issue “World IDs.” The SIC is looking into whether the collection of sensitive biometric data complies with Colombia’s personal data protection laws.
According to Colombian law, the collection and use of personal data must be carried out transparently, with the explicit consent of the data subject and must ensure the security of the information collected.
Worldcoin, which launched in Colombia in June 2023, has attracted more than 6.5 million global users with the promise of WLD tokens for those who register with an iris scan. However, this method of identity verification has faced opposition from security experts and regulators around the world.
#ATTENTION | The SIC has filed charges against WORLDCOIN FOUNDATION and TOOLS FOR HUMANITY CORPORATION for alleged violations of the personal data protection regime. pic.twitter.com/C0Z3XHpik8
— Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (@sicsuper) August 21, 2024
In Hong Kong, the project has been banned. Many other countries are also closely monitoring Worldcoin's activities.
SIC warned that if Worldcoin violates personal data protection laws, the project could face heavy penalties, ranging from fines to a six-month suspension of operations, or even immediate closure and a complete halt to all operations involving sensitive data in Colombia.
