World ID Project Suspends Operations in Brazil

Effective January 25, 2025, the World ID project has been ordered to halt all operations in Brazil, including offering cryptocurrency or cash payments to citizens in exchange for biometric data. The announcement was made through an official statement from Brazil’s Ministry of Justice.

This decision comes after an investigation launched in November 2024, shortly following World ID’s introduction in the Brazilian market.

The ANPD based its ruling on concerns that financial incentives could undermine the principle of voluntary and informed consent, a fundamental requirement under Brazil’s data protection laws. According to these regulations, the use of sensitive data, such as biometric information, must involve consent that is voluntary, informed, and specific to a stated purpose.

Brazil is not the first country to take action against World ID. In December 2024, German regulators mandated that the project align its biometric data practices with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Key concerns included risks associated with data storage, the inability to delete collected information, and the processing of sensitive data such as iris scans.

Germany and Brazil are not alone in raising alarms. Reports suggest that other countries, including the UK and Canada, have voiced similar concerns about World Network’s operations. Some jurisdictions have introduced temporary restrictions or initiated investigations, particularly regarding financial incentives that could unduly influence vulnerable populations.

Sam Altman, the founder of World ID, is facing increasing regulatory pressure from authorities worldwide. South Korea fined the company $829,000, France demanded full access to its protocols to investigate potential misuse, and Kenyan officials labeled its iris-scanning technology as espionage and a threat to national security.

Since its launch in 2019, World ID has been a lightning rod for controversy. Its innovative iris-scanning device, known as the “Orb,” has drawn attention for its groundbreaking technology but has also raised serious concerns about privacy and data security.

These challenges, combined with bans and restrictions in multiple countries, cast significant doubt on the project’s long-term future, despite the ambitious vision of its creators.