Um Mundo, led by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is at the center of a global debate after Germany decided to exclude iris data collected in the European Union. The decision of BayLDA, Bavarian Data Protection Authority, it is an example of how the collection of biometric data is moving from the realm of science fiction to directly impact people's lives
According to the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), 70% of Europeans consider biometric data collection invasive, highlighting concerns about how this information is used and stored.
Alan Nicolas, artificial intelligence specialist for business and founder ofLegendary Academy, alert that the impact of this decision goes far beyond European borders. "The use of biometric data is no longer a matter of the future". People need to understand that, upon providing this data, they are putting their privacy and personal security at risk. Regulation must be clearer to protect individuals, affirms
What is at stake with iris scanning
The BayLDA decision forced World to delete previously collected iris data, claiming that there was not enough legal basis for the collection. Although the company claims that the iris codes have already been voluntarily deleted, the order requires new procedures to ensure compliance with European rules
Damien Kieran, Chief Privacy Officer of Tools for Humanity, emphasized the need for a more precise definition of anonymization in the European Union. He guarantees that iris images are not stored, but critics of the practice raise doubts about the tracking and use of these codes
Because this matters to everyone
In Brazil, a World activated 20 collection points in São Paulo, where it has already scanned the irises of more than 189 thousand people. Although the company promises anonymity, specialists point out that biometric data is highly sensitive and can be exploited for unauthorized purposes. The debate is essential, because we are dealing with information that can be used for control or surveillance, something that affects everyone, "regardless of whether they are in Europe or in Brazil", comment Nicolas
In other countries, like Spain and Kenya, the project also faced legal barriers. In the Spanish case, the collection was interrupted after the Data Protection Agency deemed that the practices violated privacy regulations
From fiction to reality
Alan Nicolas explains that, a few years ago, the use of biometric data to create digital identities was a theme in science fiction movies. Today, it is a reality that influences everything from authentication on websites to combating fake profiles and deepfakes. "It is no longer a matter of fiction". The question now is how to ensure that these technologies benefit people without compromising their privacy. As always, technology is not the villain. What needs care is the way people use it, highlights
The German decision demonstrates that regulation needs to keep pace with the advancement of artificial intelligence and biometric technologies. "The biggest challenge is to educate people about the risks and ensure that governments and companies work together to create clear rules". Unfortunately, the legislation of no place in the world is able to keep up with the advances and ethical issues raised by these new possibilities. We must rely on the technological education of everyone, thus they will be aware of the potentials and dangers of each tool, concluded Nicolas
