Worldcoin Faces BayLDA Mandate Over Biometric Data
The Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA), Germany’s data protection authority, has issued corrective measures against Worldcoin (now known as World) regarding its handling of biometric data. Following an investigation, the agency has ordered the company to delete data collected in violation of GDPR rules.
Compliance Deadline Set for One Month
On December 19, BayLDA announced the conclusion of its GDPR compliance investigation into World. The regulator instructed Worldcoin to implement a data deletion process in alignment with European standards within one month. However, the World Foundation has appealed the decision, seeking clarification from regulators on whether its technology meets the EU’s legal definition of anonymization.
Enhancing User Rights with World ID
Launched in July 2023 by Tools for Humanity (TFH), Worldcoin utilizes iris recognition technology for identity verification. BayLDA’s investigation, initiated in 2023, highlighted concerns regarding the collection and handling of biometric data. BayLDA President Michael Will stated that the recent decision aims to enhance the rights of users who shared their biometric information.
“With this decision, we are upholding European standards for data privacy and individual rights,” said Will. “All users will have the right to have their data deleted.”
Additional Obligations for Worldcoin
Beyond the data deletion mandate, Worldcoin must ensure explicit user consent for certain data processing activities. The company is also required to erase data records collected in the early stages of its operations. BayLDA clarified that these changes address data obtained between summer 2023 and the point when the project was adjusted to comply with legal requirements.
World Foundation Calls for Clarification on Anonymization in the EU
The World Foundation emphasized the need for a clear and consistent legal definition of anonymization in the EU. According to Damien Kieran, the company’s Chief Legal Officer, anonymization is a critical element for secure identity verification in the digital age. The foundation’s appeal aims to confirm whether its technology complies with European regulations.
“Without a clear definition of anonymization, we risk losing a vital tool for protecting privacy in the era of artificial intelligence,” Kieran stated. The World Foundation and TFH plan to continue working closely with regulators in the EU and beyond to ensure that innovation and privacy protection go hand in hand.
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