Spanish Data Protection Agency Orders Halt To Worldcoin's Data Collection

• Complaints include inadequate information disclosure, data collection from minors, and inability to withdraw consent.

• Tools for Humanity Corporation, based in Germany with its European presence, is subject to GDPR legal consequences.

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has taken decisive action against Tools for Humanity Corporation, issuing a precautionary measure to halt the collection and processing of personal data within the framework of its Worldcoin project. The move comes in response to multiple complaints lodged against the company, citing concerns over inadequate information disclosure, the collection of data from minors, and the inability to withdraw consent, among other infringements.

Precautionary Measures against Tools for Humanity Corporation

The Worldcoin project, spearheaded by Tools for Humanity Corporation, has been under scrutiny for its handling of personal data within Spanish territory. The AEPD's intervention underscores the gravity of the situation, particularly regarding the processing of biometric data, which falls under the purview of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) due to its sensitive nature.

According to the AEPD, the processing of biometric data poses significant risks to individuals' rights, necessitating immediate action to safeguard personal data and prevent its potential transfer to third parties. The precautionary measure aims to block further data collection and processing by Tools for Humanity Corporation and secure the data already collected.

Urgency of AEPD Intervention to Safeguard Privacy Rights

Tools for Humanity Corporation, headquartered in Germany with its European establishment, faces legal consequences under the GDPR, allowing supervisory authorities like the AEPD to implement provisional measures in exceptional cases to safeguard individuals' rights and freedom.

The AEPD emphasized the urgent need to intervene to prevent irreparable harm to individuals' privacy rights. The temporary prohibition of data collection activities seeks to uphold the fundamental right to the protection of personal data, as enshrined in the GDPR.

The duration of the precautionary measure, not exceeding three months, underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate corrective action by Tools for Humanity Corporation. Failure to comply with the AEPD's directives may result in legal consequences for the company.