The National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) of Portugal announced a temporary ban on Worldcoin from collecting biometric data for 90 days. This ban restricts the collection of biometric data such as iris scans, eye scans, and facial recognition until an investigation is completed and a final decision is made.

CNPD initiated the ban due to several issues surrounding Worldcoin's data collection practices. One concern is that Worldcoin allegedly did not have a system to verify the age of its members, leading to the collection of data from minors without proper parental consent. Additionally, Worldcoin lacked transparency in providing information to users, preventing them from deleting data or revoking consent.

The CNPD emphasized that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) contains specific protections for both biometric data and minors. The commission cited various potential GDPR violations by Worldcoin, justifying the urgent need for intervention to protect the privacy rights of the public and minors.

Despite the allegations, Worldcoin has denied any wrongdoing. The company claimed that it does not allow minors to register through the ORB and remains compliant with all laws and regulations in its operating regions.

Jannick Preiwisch, the data protection officer for the Worldcoin Foundation, stated that the company had not been previously informed about the issues by CNPD. He assured that Worldcoin is committed to preventing registrations by minors and is actively working to address the concerns raised by regulators.

In response to the controversy, Worldcoin recently launched a user-controlled Personal Custody model to give users more control over their data. The company introduced this model alongside the release of its Orb software under an open-source license on March 22.

Spain also imposed a similar three-month ban on Worldcoin's data collection activities earlier in March. The collection of biometric data has sparked regulatory concerns in various countries, with Kenya going as far as calling it “espionage."