Pro Consumidor suspends Worldcoin Foundation for abusive contracts and data violations

Santo Domingo.- The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) has ordered the immediate cessation of operations for the Worldcoin Foundation due to “abusive clauses” found in the adhesion contracts offered to citizens. These contracts, which required participants to provide biometric data in exchange for cryptocurrency, were deemed non-compliant with Dominican laws protecting consumer rights and personal data.

Pro Consumidor’s investigation revealed that Worldcoin’s contracts violated the legal standards established in Law 358-05 and Resolutions 01-2009 and 008-2002, which govern adhesion contracts in the country. Additionally, the contracts breached Law 172-13 on personal data protection. The organization noted that the company failed to disclose essential information, such as its registered office in the Dominican Republic, preventing consumers from effectively exercising their rights.

The suspension will remain in effect until the company’s operations and documentation are thoroughly reviewed. Pro Consumidor also highlighted that Worldcoin lacks a physical presence in the country, with approximately 7,478 users consenting to the collection of biometric data, including iris scans. These scans are linked to cryptocurrency coins, which can be converted to Dominican pesos, raising concerns about the security and legality of the process.

Source: RC Noticias