Brazil Halts Sam Altman’s World Project Over Iris-Scanning Payments

The Brazilian data authority suspended the project, citing concerns over consent and biometric data handling practices.

Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has suspended operations of Sam Altman’s World project, previously known as Worldcoin, over concerns about its practice of paying individuals for iris scans.
Authorities argue that monetary compensation for biometric data may compromise individuals' ability to give free and informed consent, particularly in economically vulnerable regions.
The suspension follows an investigation initiated in November 2024, which also identified issues with the inability to revoke consent or erase biometric data once collected.
World claims its services comply with Brazilian laws and denies allegations, attributing criticism to misinformation spread through media and social platforms.
Other countries, including Spain, Germany, and Hong Kong, have also restricted or banned the project over privacy and data security concerns.