La AEPD ordena paralizar el proyecto de Worldcoin que escanea el iris a acambio de criptomonedas

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has ordered Worldcoin to immediately cease its iris-scanning operations in Spain, invoking an emergency procedure due to the risks associated with biometric data. This decision sets a historic precedent for the regulator, which has demanded the temporary blocking of captured data for six months while an investigation into regulatory compliance is conducted. The measure underscores Spain’s firm stance against practices it considers potentially harmful, particularly given that Spain is the European country with the highest adoption of this service. The analysis focuses on the sensitivity of biometric data, as the iris contains health-related information and enables more precise individual identification than other biometric markers. Authorities warn that exchanging these irreversible biometric identifiers for economic incentives, especially among young people, exposes society to long-term risks such as identity theft, racial discrimination, or denial of insurance coverage. It is emphasized that the technology not only identifies individuals but also extracts supplementary information that could have negative consequences in various aspects of adult life. This case is significant for open data because it establishes a clear boundary between technological innovation and privacy protection. It demonstrates that the mass collection of personal data, even with informed consent and in exchange for compensation, does not exempt companies from strict compliance with data protection regulations. The ruling reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure that digital ecosystems respect fundamental rights, preventing commercial efficiency from compromising citizens’ security and dignity.

Source: larazon.es
Published on 2024-03-07

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