The ANPD in Brazil has instructed TFH to stop using iris scanning in return for cryptocurrency. The company, in partnership with the Worldcoin project, utilized biometric data to develop a universal human identification certificate to distinguish between humans and AI-created robots.
The project Tools for Humanity is currently on hold.
Since November 2024, the ANPD has been looking into TFH’s operations in Brazil. An administrative directive requires the company to stop providing “cryptocurrency or any form of financial reward for gathering iris data from individuals in Brazil.”
The collection of human irises aims to provide data for the World ID platform to verify the individual’s uniqueness and enhance digital security as artificial intelligence tools become more prevalent.
The national organization discovered that distributing cryptocurrencies would go against the General Data Protection Act (LGPD), which requires that consent for processing sensitive personal data, like biometric information, must be freely given, informed, and clearly provided for specific purposes.
ANDP’s analysis recognized that the financial compensation provided by the company could impact individuals’ decision-making on providing biometric data, particularly in situations where vulnerability and economic dependence play a significant role.
Tools for Humanity mentioned in a statement that false information circulating on social media led to the national organization’s decision regarding the services provided.
The World network follows all legal requirements in Brazil and is working with ANPD to address recent misinformation and ensure continued access for all Brazilians.
The ANPD emphasizes that adherence to the LGPD is necessary for handling sensitive data, and the project’s future in Brazil hinges on meeting the agency’s standards.
How did the project progress?
The initiative, developed by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was introduced in Brazil in October 2024. TFH placed 50 Orbs camera units at ten locations in São Paulo to gather data on users’ iris patterns.
The company attracted over 400,000 participants by offering 48 Worldcoin cryptocurrency units worth approximately R$ 650 as an incentive, resulting in long queues at registration venues.
The camera Orb captures an image of the person’s iris to generate a unique numeric code for identification purposes, which is promptly erased. No personal details such as name, phone number, email, or address are required from users.
The project received attention in Brazil, and over a million individuals have already installed the app, which was utilized to arrange a timetable at a checkpoint.
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