According to Blockworks, Worldcoin announced its intention to take legal action against Spain after a Spanish data protection agency moved to block data collection from the Sam Altman-backed company earlier this week. Worldcoin stated that it is fully compliant with all laws and regulations governing biometric data collection and data transfer, including Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The company has been in consistent and ongoing dialog with its lead Data Privacy Authority in the EU, BayLDA, for months. Worldcoin expressed disappointment that the Spanish regulator circumvented the accepted EU process and rules, leaving them with little recourse but to file suit.
In a blog post, Worldcoin reiterated that it has regularly responded to BayLDA requests for months and has operated lawfully in Spain and other European countries. Tools for Humanity announced the suit, according to the blog post. Despite the verification service pause, Worldcoin assured users that its World App remains available in Spain.
The Spanish data protection agency (AEPD) gave Worldcoin 72 hours to comply with the order to pause data collection and to destroy already collected data. The AEPD cited several complaints against the company, including insufficient information, data collection from minors, and the inability to withdraw consent, among other infringements. Worldcoin's Jannick Preiwisch told Blockworks that the agency was circumventing EU law with the measure.
The AEPD stated that the decision is based on exceptional circumstances, where it is necessary to adopt precautionary measures aimed at the immediate cessation of processing activities to prevent the possible transfer of data to third parties and to safeguard the fundamental right to the protection of personal data. The agency further noted that biometric data is under special protection due to its sensitive nature. According to the AEPD's press release earlier this week, Worldcoin could be barred from further activity for up to three months.
