Published Date : 7/11/2025Â
World Coin, the company behind the controversial World ID Orb, has paused its iris scanning operations in Germany while addressing regulatory concerns. The move comes as the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA) continues its investigation into the firm's data handling practices. According to reports, the company's German section now displays a message stating,Â
Q: Why did World Coin pause its operations in Germany?
A: World Coin paused its iris scanning operations in Germany due to ongoing regulatory scrutiny from the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA). The company is addressing concerns over GDPR compliance, particularly related to the storage of biometric data.
Q: What is the SMPC system, and how does it relate to World Coin's operations?
A: The secure multiparty computation (SMPC) system is a privacy-enhancing technology that distributes biometric data across multiple servers. World Coin implemented this system to address data protection concerns, but regulators remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
Q: What are the main regulatory challenges facing World Coin in the Philippines?
A: In the Philippines, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) is investigating World Coin for potential violations of data protection laws, including issues related to consent and data retention. The regulator is also developing guidelines to govern biometric data processing.
Q: How is World Coin responding to the regulatory challenges?
A: World Coin has filed an appeal against BayLDA's ruling and is updating its EU terms of service and data privacy policy. The company claims it is committed to meeting data protection standards but has not provided a clear timeline for resuming operations in Germany.
Q: What are the broader implications of this case for biometric technology?
A: The case highlights the tension between innovation and regulation in the biometric sector. If World Coin fails to meet regulatory requirements, it could set a precedent for how biometric technologies are governed globally, impacting future developments in digital identity systems.Â