World, a company involved in biometric data collection, has announced the temporary suspension of its iris scanning services in Spain after receiving an official warning from the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD). This decision comes shortly after the company, part of Tools for Humanity and previously known for its Worldcoin project, had resumed its operations in Barcelona just last Thursday. The AEPD expressed concerns regarding the processing of biometric data that could infringe on data protection laws, particularly highlighting the risks associated with iris and facial recognition technologies.

The AEPD’s warning emphasizes the need for companies engaged in biometric data collection to justify the necessity of such practices when handling personal data. The agency stated that the new application, under the name World, could involve processing biometric data for identification via iris scanning and authentication through facial recognition. Given the sensitive nature of biometric information, which has far-reaching implications for privacy and civil liberties, the agency may require stricter compliance measures to protect individuals' data from misuse.

This suspension reflects broader concerns over the use of biometric technologies in public spaces and the potential for privacy violations. It signifies a critical stance taken by Spanish authorities against practices that may not align with established data protection regulations, serving as a reminder to companies of their obligations under the law. As nations globally grapple with the ethical implications of biometric surveillance, the case of World highlights the growing scrutiny and regulatory landscape surrounding such technologies.