Brazil: National Data Protection Authority banned Tools for Humanity from offering financial incentives in exchange of biometric data

On 24 January 2025, the Brazilian National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) ordered the company “Tools for Humanity” to suspend offers of cryptocurrency or any other financial incentives in exchange for biometric data. The order aims to prevent the company from unduly influencing people’s consent. In particular, the decision was taken in response to concerns regarding the protection of personal data and the potential risks associated with incentivising the collection of sensitive biometric information. The ANPD emphasised that such practices may violate Brazil's General Data Protection Law (LGPD) by compromising individuals' privacy and the lawful processing of their data. This decision follows an investigation launched by the ANPD on 11 November 2024 into Tools for Humanity over its processing of biometric data through the World ID project, which involves iris, face, and eye scans.