Worldcoin developer Tools for Humanity is taking a stand against Spain’s recent ban on its data collection and usage within the country. The ban, which lasts for three months, has prompted Tools for Humanity to file a lawsuit in an attempt to appeal the decision. The developers argue that Spain’s regulators did not follow the proper procedure outlined in EU GDPR rules when issuing the ban.
Jannick Preiwisch, the data protection officer for the Worldcoin Foundation and Tools for Humanity, has spoken out against the claims made by Spanish regulators. He asserts that the regulators’ accusations are inaccurate and that Tools for Humanity is fully compliant with the EU’s data protection laws. Preiwisch expressed disappointment in the regulators’ actions, stating that their spread of inaccurate information about the technology has been ongoing despite efforts to provide them with an accurate understanding of Worldcoin and World ID.
Despite the ban imposed by Spain, Worldcoin maintains that it operates lawfully in all other available locations and is closely supervised by local authorities. The company has been diligent in responding to GDPR requests from the Bavarian Data Protection Authority over the past few months and continues to engage with regulators to ensure compliance. However, Spain’s Data Protection Agency raised concerns about the handling of sensitive biometric data by Worldcoin, leading to the issuance of the ban.
The ban on Worldcoin’s activities in Spain was triggered by complaints from minors regarding data privacy and consent withdrawal issues. The complainants also raised concerns about the lack of information provided by Worldcoin regarding data protection measures. Authorities fear that the current practices could result in irreparable harm, prompting them to take precautionary action.
Spain’s order specifically targeted Tools for Humanity, the developer behind the open-source Worldcoin project. While Worldcoin Foundation is identified as the steward of Worldcoin, Tools for Humanity plays a crucial role in the development and operation of the Worldcoin app. As a result, the lawsuit and appeal directly impact Worldcoin and its future operations.
The legal battle between Tools for Humanity and Spanish regulators highlights the complexities of data protection laws and the challenges faced by companies operating in multiple jurisdictions. As Worldcoin continues to navigate regulatory hurdles, the outcome of this lawsuit will have far-reaching implications for data privacy and technology development in Europe.