Worldcoin developer Tools for Humanity has taken legal action against Spain’s recent ban on its data collection and usage within the country for a period of three months. In a blog post on March 6, Worldcoin stated that Spain’s regulators bypassed the standard EU GDPR procedures by imposing the ban, forcing them to resort to filing a lawsuit. Jannick Preiwisch, the data protection officer for Worldcoin Foundation and Tools for Humanity, refuted the claims made by Spanish regulators, asserting that their technology is fully compliant with the EU’s data protection laws. Preiwisch expressed disappointment in the regulators’ dissemination of inaccurate information globally, despite Worldcoin’s efforts to provide them with accurate information about their technology for several months.
Compliance and Supervision
Worldcoin maintains that it operates lawfully in all jurisdictions where it is present and operates in close collaboration with local authorities. The company highlighted its prompt responses to GDPR requests from the Bavarian Data Protection Authority (BayLDA), responsible for ensuring GDPR compliance across the EU, and ongoing engagement with regulators. Spain’s Data Protection Agency (AEPD) imposed the three-month ban on Worldcoin’s activities following complaints from minors regarding data privacy concerns and the inability to withdraw consent. The complaints also raised issues about inadequate information provided by Worldcoin to assure individuals that their data would be adequately protected. Authorities fear that current practices could result in severe consequences.
Concerns Over Data Handling
The AEPD expressed concerns about Worldcoin’s handling of sensitive biometric data, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection. The agency described the ban as a precautionary measure under extraordinary circumstances to prevent irreparable harm. Spain’s order specifically targeted Tools for Humanity, a company co-founded by Sam Altman and the original developer behind the open-source Worldcoin project. While the Worldcoin Foundation is identified as the project’s steward on its main page, Tools for Humanity serves as advisors and operators of the Worldcoin app, making the lawsuit and the appeal directly relevant to Worldcoin.
By challenging Spain’s ban through legal means, Tools for Humanity is taking a stand to defend its data practices and compliance with EU regulations. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely have far-reaching implications for data protection and privacy regulations within the EU and beyond. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold and what impact it will have on Worldcoin’s operations in Spain and other jurisdictions.