The French oversight agency, National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL), has raised doubts about the legality of Worldcoin’s biometric data collection methods. Besides questioning the legitimacy of its data acquisition processes, CNIL is also delving into how this biometric data is stored. Notably, Worldcoin has collected this data for over two million registrants who have participated in its project.
French Regulator CNIL Questions Worldcoin’s Biometric Data Storage
Worldcoin debuted last Monday, and based on available data and footage of individuals enrolling, the venture has been amassing momentum and recognition. In an email conversation with Reuters, CNIL disclosed to the media outlet that it was scrutinizing Worldcoin’s data gathering and has initiated inquiries. “The legality of this collection seems questionable, as do the conditions for storing biometric data,” CNIL informed the news platform.
Ahead of launching its worldcoin (WLD) token, Worldcoin asserted it had already enlisted more than 2 million users. As of now, over 300,000 WLD token holders exist, and on July 29, 2023, WLD documented upwards of 1 million transactions. Moreover, the CEO of Openai and co-founder of Worldcoin, Sam Altman, presented a video revealing Worldcoin registrants queuing up to undergo iris scans and shared that an individual was being scanned “every 8 seconds.”
Even prior to Worldcoin’s introduction, the project encountered backlash, and an article published by MIT Technology Review detailed accusations of deceit and exploitation. In October 2021, former NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden criticized the iris scanning initiative telling Altman they should abstain from cataloging people’s eyeballs. In correspondence with Reuters, the French regulator disclosed its commencement of investigations into Worldcoin.
CNIL also highlighted that Bavarian authorities are collaborating with the regulator in examining Worldcoin’s data collection practices. The Worldcoin Foundation responded to Reuters’ request for comment concerning the investigation. The foundation noted that it falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union and Bavarian authorities such as the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision. “[Worldcoin] is designed to protect individual privacy and has built a robust privacy program,” the Worldcoin Foundation stated in its email.
Additionally, the group emphasized that the project adheres to all laws and regulations within every jurisdiction where Worldcoin operates. “The project will continue to cooperate with governing bodies on requests for more information about its privacy and data protection practices,” the Worldcoin Foundation added.
What do you think about the French privacy regulator investigating Worldcoin’s practices? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below.
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