Worldcoin (WLD) recently encountered heightened regulatory attention following its suspension of activities in Spain. Tools For Humanity (TFH), its developer, has consented to prolong the operational pause in the country amid an ongoing inquiry into the company’s data collection and processing practices.

This week, Tools For Humanity declared its voluntary decision to suspend its operations in Spain for the remainder of the year. This action allows the Bayerische Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht (BayLDA) to finalize its audit concerning the company's adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

TFH pledged to extend its operational hiatus in Spain until the conclusion of the BayLDA consultation process, which is scheduled to end by the close of 2024. In March, the Spanish Agency for Data Protection (AEPD) issued a provisional measure instructing the cessation of personal data gathering and processing linked to the Worldcoin Project.

On June 6, TFH disclosed the findings of a 24-hour survey conducted at the end of May. Through the World ID app, TFH posed several queries to 21,000 verified World ID holders regarding Worldcoin, proof of humanness, biometrics, and data privacy collection.

According to the survey, 3 out of 4 respondents believed that Worldcoin could "help create a safer and more secure internet." This optimistic response constituted 73% of those surveyed, while an additional 20% expressed uncertainty.

82% of respondents agreed that technologies like Worldcoin/World ID are crucial for distinguishing between humans and bots online, with 13% expressing uncertainty. Furthermore, 81% felt secure using Worldcoin, and 87% "strongly support the return of Worldcoin operation in the country."

Thomas Scott, TFH’s CLO, commented on the survey and regulatory compliance in Spain, stating:

"While it is encouraging that, in a recent survey of World ID users in Spain, more than 80% of the 21,000 respondents said they believe technologies like World ID are important to distinguish between bots and humans online and nearly 90% of them support the project’s return to Spain, we voluntarily offered to extend pausing our operations in the country."

In its announcement, TFH underscored the global feedback it has received. Recent surveys in Peru, Mexico, and Colombia indicate that approximately 80% of respondents endorse proof of humanness to combat online fraud and identity theft.

These outcomes suggest a mounting concern about bots, fraud, and misinformation online. The respondents appear to regard technology that verifies humanness online as "essential" for the future. Additionally, they expressed a preference for content generated by humans and advocated for technology to differentiate it.

The Worldcoin project's global outreach has also attracted regulatory scrutiny worldwide. As reported by Bitcoinist, Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) issued an enforcement notice to Worldcoin, instructing it to cease operations.

The enforcement marked the conclusion of an investigation initiated by the PCPD in January, citing a "risk to personal data privacy." Similarly, the project has faced regulatory scrutiny from countries such as Germany, Kenya, and France.

At the time of writing, WLD's price has declined by 2.3% and 4.3% in the daily and weekly timeframes, respectively.