Worldcoin Defies Brazil Ban, Offers Crypto for Biometric Data

Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project, is reportedly continuing to operate in Brazil's São Paulo despite a ban on offering citizens crypto in exchange for their biometric data. The company, which operates under the name Tools for Humanity, has been accused of flouting a ruling from Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).

The ANPD ruling prohibits Tools for Humanity from offering people crypto or financial incentives in exchange for their biometric data on Brazilian territory. However, Worldcoin appears to be safe from a Habeas Corpus lawsuit, as the case raised "ethical" concerns at the nation's supreme court.

G1, the digital arm of the O Globo newspaper, reported that some Worldcoin centers in São Paulo are still operating and promising crypto payments in exchange for biometric data. The outlet visited three of Worldcoin's 52 service points in São Paulo and spoke to 12 people who had just signed up. These people confirmed that the firm is continuing to promise to pay coins for new registrations.

Worldcoin has enjoyed phenomenal success in LATAM, currently operating almost exclusively in the São Paulo area. However, it has also been dogged by privacy and regulatory concerns, facing investigations in Argentina and beyond. The ANPD has stated that failure to comply with its order will be considered an aggravating circumstance in the context of any administrative sanctioning process.

Meanwhile, a man named Joaquim (surname withheld) petitioned the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) with a Habeas Corpus lawsuit on behalf of 150,000 people in the country who had scanned their irises in exchange for WLD payments. Joaquim asked for a preliminary injunction on behalf of all Brazilians who had their biometric data collected by Worldcoin, arguing that collecting iris scans was a controversial practice.

Worldcoin has not responded to questions about its intention to suspend making payments, but it has stated that it continues to operate legally while working in partnership with ANPD to address its issues. The company's future in Brazil remains uncertain as it navigates the complex landscape of data protection and cryptocurrency regulations.