In a recent survey, Worldcoin (WLD), a crypto project co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, reported that nearly 90% of its Spanish World ID holders support the return of its services.
The survey highlights the importance of digital proof of humanness and Worldcoin’s efforts to protect privacy and data.
Survey Highlights Spanish Users’ Trust in Worldcoin
Tools for Humanity (TFH), Worldcoin’s contributor, surveyed over 21,000 Worldcoin users in Spain in late May via World App. The survey explored users’ perceptions of Worldcoin, biometrics, proof of humanness, and data privacy protection.
Results indicate that 73% of respondents have confidence in Worldcoin’s capability to enhance internet safety. Furthermore, 82% recognize the importance of technologies like World ID for identifying humans from bots. In addition, 81% feel secure using Worldcoin, with 87% backing its continued operations in Spain.
Worldcoin’s Users Overview in Spain. Source: Worldcoin
Worldcoin emphasizes privacy and control, ensuring it does not track individuals but confirms they are human and unique. The project said World ID uses zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs and a sophisticated SMPC system to protect users’ iris codes. It also offers features like personal custody of information, optional data custody for AI training, and the ability to delete iris codes permanently for enhanced data control.
The blog post came after Worldcoin voluntarily suspended its operations in Spain on June 4. The decision resulted from the Spanish Data Protection Agency’s (AEPD) order to TFH to halt the collection and processing of personal data in Spain related to its Worldcoin project last March.
“Tools for Humanity, a Worldcoin contributor, voluntarily offered to extend the pause of Worldcoin orb operations in Spain. This allows BayLDA in Bavaria, the competent lead authority responsible for oversight of Worldcoin’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance, the time to complete its audit—a process that TFH has been fully participating in for over a year,” the company said in a letter.
According to AEPD, the cease order is a precautionary measure to protect an individual’s rights and freedoms under the GDPR. The National Court also supports the decision, emphasizing protecting personal data over the company’s interests.
“[TFH] has made a legally binding commitment not to resume its activity in Spain until the end of the year or until the BayLDA adopts a definitive resolution in relation to the data processing carried out by the company,” AEPD stated.
BayLDA, the data protection authority of Bavaria, Germany, is conducting an investigation that is expected to conclude soon with a final decision aligned with other European supervisory authorities. However, this commitment does not restrict the BayLDA or the AEPD from taking further supervisory measures if obligations are not met.
In addition to Spain and other European countries, Worldcoin faces legal challenges from other jurisdictions. BeInCrypto previously reported that Kenya has suspended Worldcoin’s operations in the region. Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Chile, have also conducted ongoing investigations into the project.
Despite international controversy, Worldcoin continues its expansion in Latin America by offering World ID verifications in Colombia. Currently, there are ten locations with orbs, six in Bogota and four in Medellin. Additionally, the project recently stated that “more orbs are coming,” indicating plans to increase the availability of these devices.