TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The world has been immersed in the captivating work of artificial intelligence, with Worldcoin emerging as one of the existing proofs. Created by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the viral digital platform makes waves for using biometric identification and a native cryptocurrency, the WLD token—but it's not without controversy.
Concerns upon concerns begin to gather around Worldcoin, particularly surrounding its users’ personal data security, given the requirement of face and iris identification to access the service. To that end, many countries have imposed bans on Worldcoin.
List of Countries Banning Worldcoin
Various sources have listed several countries that have banned Worldcoin, including Spain, Germany, and Indonesia. Other countries reportedly taking similar actions include:
1. Spain
Spain was among the first countries to launch investigations into Worldcoin, particularly over concerns about data collection. As noted by Forbes, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) took precautionary measures in early 2024 after receiving complaints about the platform’s lack of transparency, data collection from minors, and the inability for users to withdraw consent. In response, the AEPD ordered Worldcoin to halt all data collection activities and to delete any data already gathered.
2. Brazil
Brazil has made it clear that Worldcoin is banned from operation in the country. In January 2025, the Brazilian National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) flagged serious privacy concerns and issued a blanket ban on the platform. If Worldcoin resumes its data collection activities, it will face daily fines of 50,000 Brazilian reais, or equal to $8,800.
3. Hong Kong
Hong Kong saw the data collection of iris and face identification to be unnecessary, excessive, and in violation of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) Hong Kong. As a result, in May 2024, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) made a bold stand for Worldcoin to stop all activities and operations in Hong Kong.
4. Germany
The authorities of Germany haven’t necessarily banned Worldcoin, but they have instead initiated an investigation that concluded the platform violates the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As a result, Worldcoin has been ordered to delete all biometric data it has collected.
5. Portugal
Another European country that has flagged Worldcoin's potential risks is Portugal. In March 2024, the country implemented a three-month ban on the platform, primarily due to the biometric data collection. Similar to Spain, Portugal raises several points, including insufficient information provided, no consent data collection of minors, and a lack of adequate mechanisms to verify the age of users.
6. Kenya
One of the earliest countries to suspend Worldcoin was Kenya, issuing the ban in August 2023 due to security and privacy concerns. The move was largely driven by reports and complaints regarding the purpose of iris scanning, once again highlighting concerns over Worldcoin’s lack of transparency. In May 2025, Kenya’s High Court officially declared the platform’s operations illegal.
7. Colombia
Colombia has also joined the growing list of countries scrutinizing Worldcoin's operations. While not officially banned, Colombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has launched an ongoing probe into the platform’s biometric data practices. In the meantime, the government has warned citizens to avoid using the platform.
8. Indonesia
Indonesia took a firm stance in early May 2025 by suspending all operations of Worldcoin within its borders. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) cited serious concerns over the collection of biometric data such as iris scans.
Indonesian authorities subsequently froze Worldcoin’s operations and expressed their intent to engage in discussions with representatives from the World App to address these issues.
While Worldcoin promises a futuristic vision of identity and finance, its rapid rollout—especially in developing regions—has sparked fears of exploitation and privacy violations.
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