Sam Altman's iris-scanning Worldcoin temporarily banned in Spain

Ricardo Macieira, regional manager, Europe stands to simulate the iris scan near the biometric imaging device, the Orb of the identity and financial public utility Worldcoin, to create a World ID digital passport, being able to trade in cryptocurrency issued, in Berlin, Germany August 1, 2023. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo

MADRID (Reuters) -Spain has banned Sam Altman's Worldcoin for up to three months amid perceived privacy risks from the venture which scans irises in exchange for a digital ID and free cryptocurrency.

Spanish data protection regulator AEPD said on Wednesday it demanded Worldcoin immediately cease the collection of personal information and stop using data it has already gathered.