Worldcoin’s Ban in Spain Extended Until End of 2024

Tools for Humanity, the technology company behind the eyeball-scanning crypto startup Worldcoin, agreed not to resume operations in Spain until the end of this year. This was revealed by the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) in a June 4 press statement.

Also Read: Worldcoin Project Ordered to Stop Operations in Hong Kong

According to the Spanish regulator, the crypto firm will not resume its data collection activities in the country until Germany’s data protection authority, Bayerische Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht (BayLDA), completes its investigations on how Worldcoin was handling the personal data it collects.

Worldcoin’s global regulatory challenges

The outcome of BayLDA’s investigation will determine whether Worldcoin can resume operations. However, the temporary ban remains in effect, and the regulator retains the authority to take further action if necessary.

AEPD stated:

“This legally binding commitment adopted by the company does not affect the powers of the BayLDA or the AEPD to adopt additional supervisory measures in case of non-compliance with these obligations.”

The AEPD initially imposed a three-month ban on Worldcoin’s data collection activities in March. The regulator cited multiple issues at the time, including inadequate information provision, data collection from minors, and the inability to withdraw consent.

Beyond Spain and Germany, the project faces regulatory challenges in several other countries, including Kenya, Portugal, France, and Argentina. In May, Hong Kong authorities ordered the company to halt all operations, deeming its collection of facial and iris data “unnecessary and excessive.”

Nevertheless, Worldcoin has made efforts to enhance data privacy. Last month, the firm launched and open-sourced its secure multi-party computation (SMPC) system to improve the security of biometric data.

Adoption continues, but WLD struggles

Despite these regulatory challenges, Worldcoin’s adoption continues to grow. Its website shows that its Orb device has verified over 5.5 million individuals globally as of June 4.

Also Read: Worldcoin Price Prediction 2024 – 2033: How High Will WLD Go?

Moreover, Worldcoin continues to expand into new countries. The firm recently expanded into Colombia, and its co-founders Sam Altman and Alex Blania recently met with Argentina’s President Javier Milei in San Fransico. These efforts reflect the company’s determination to persist in its mission to revolutionize human verification in a digital world increasingly populated by AI.

However, the WLD token has considerably struggled due to its regulatory challenges. According to CoinMarketCap data, WLD is down by approximately 60% from its all-time high of $11 and is currently trading at under $5 as of press time.