Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, recently commented on Worldcoin’s efforts to protect user data privacy, acknowledging their use of cryptography to minimize the data collected. In a social media post, Buterin praised Worldcoin for taking privacy critiques seriously and designing their system to be data-minimal. He expressed admiration for modern cryptography and recognized the importance of protecting personal information in the digital age.
However, Buterin had expressed concerns about Worldcoin in October 2023, particularly regarding its use of iris scanning to verify human identity. He raised issues related to privacy and accessibility, noting the potential for extensive data collection through iris scans. While acknowledging the system’s potential to address anti-spam and anti-concentration-of-power problems, he warned about the risks of capturing decentralized governance by wealthy actors if proof of personhood is not adequately addressed.
Worldcoin’s biometric data collection practices have been met with regulatory actions globally, with authorities in Portugal and Spain imposing temporary bans on the platform. In Portugal, the National Data Protection Commission halted Worldcoin for 90 days due to concerns over collecting iris and facial scans without proper consent, especially from minors. Similarly, in Spain, the Data Protection Agency issued a three-month ban on data collection, citing similar issues. Legal appeals by Worldcoin were rejected by the courts in both cases, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny by regulators.
The regulatory actions against Worldcoin extend beyond Europe, with investigations and restrictions in jurisdictions such as Hong Kong and Kenya. Concerns over privacy risks and biometric data collection have prompted authorities to intervene and assess the platform’s activities. The global response indicates a growing awareness of the need to protect user data and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Despite his initial concerns, Buterin’s recent comments on Worldcoin suggest a recognition of the platform’s efforts to address privacy critiques and enhance data protection through cryptography. By acknowledging the importance of modern cryptography in safeguarding personal information, Buterin highlights the role of technology in fostering data minimalism and privacy-enhancing features. As regulators continue to scrutinize Worldcoin’s data collection practices, the platform faces a challenge to balance innovation with compliance to ensure user trust and regulatory approval.
