Worldcoin, the Sam Altman-backed company offering digital IDs through eyeball scanning for crypto, is set to take legal action against Spain after its data collection faced a block by the Spanish data protection agency (AEPD). 

The parent company, Tools for Humanity, announced a legal suit against the order from the AEPD amid concerns over the use of personal information collected through Worldcoin's "orbs" scanning technology.

In a recent blog post, Worldcoin insists it complies with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and has been in continuous dialogue with the lead Data Privacy Authority in the EU. 

The company argues it aims to provide secure identification and vows to challenge the regulatory decision.

‍

Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny Surround Worldcoin

The crypto-for-eyeballs identification system faces heightened scrutiny as Spain's privacy watchdog orders Worldcoin to suspend operations and address data-related complaints. 

More than 360,000 people have signed up for the project in Spain, with concerns ranging from gathering data on minors to withdrawing consent. 

The AEPD orders Worldcoin to cease data collection, but the company argues for the unique identification it provides, maintaining the availability of its World App in Spain despite the verification service pause.

Beyond Spain, Worldcoin's operations are under investigation in France and Germany, reflecting global concerns about its data practices. The company's commitment to providing a scure identification system clashes with worries that collected information may be used for personalized marketing.