Data Protection Authority Bans Compensated Iris Scans in Brazil

The World project, led by tech firm Tools for Humanity, has been prohibited from offering financial compensation for iris scans in Brazil, according to a statement by the country’s data protection authority, ANPD.

The World project aims to create a global identity system through scanning people’s irises in exchange for cryptocurrency and a digital ID.

The ban is a preventive measure, ANPD said, and starts from Saturday, including compensation through cryptocurrencies.

The ANPD stated that providing financial compensation “may interfere with the free expression of will of individuals, by influencing the decision regarding giving their biometric data.”

Tools for Humanity, which has co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has previously faced data collection issues with authorities from other countries, including Spain and Portugal.

ANPD also ordered Tools for Humanity to identify on its website who is responsible for processing the personal data.

In its statement, World said it was in touch with ANPD to ensure Brazilians could be part of the World network.

“Recent reports with inaccuracies and social media activity have resulted in false information to ANPD,” it added, without providing further details.

The ban on compensated iris scans in Brazil is a significant development for the World project, which has faced criticism and controversy over its data collection practices. The move is aimed at protecting individuals’ personal data and ensuring that they have the ability to make informed decisions about their biometric data.

Q: Why was the ban imposed on compensated iris scans in Brazil?

A: The ban was imposed by ANPD as a preventive measure to protect individuals’ personal data and ensure that they have the ability to make informed decisions about their biometric data.

Q: What is the purpose of The World project?

A: The World project aims to create a global identity system through scanning people’s irises in exchange for cryptocurrency and a digital ID.

Q: Has Tools for Humanity faced data collection issues in other countries?

A: Yes, Tools for Humanity has previously faced data collection issues with authorities from other countries, including Spain and Portugal.

Q: How does the company respond to criticisms of its data collection practices?

A: In its statement, World said it was in touch with ANPD to ensure Brazilians could be part of the World network, but did not provide further details.