Coinbase · Coinbase Privacy Policy

Biometric Data Collection

High severity
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What it is

We may collect biometric data such as your facial geometry through identity verification processes. We use this to verify your identity and comply with our legal obligations.

Why it matters

Biometric data is irreplaceable — unlike a password, you cannot change your face. Its collection and potential misuse creates lifelong privacy risks.

Consumer impact

Coinbase collects highly sensitive personal data including government-issued ID, financial account information, transaction history, biometric identifiers, and behavioral data, and shares this information with a broad ecosystem of third parties including advertising networks, blockchain analytics companies, and law enforcement agencies. Users have limited ability to restrict data collection as most categories are deemed necessary to provide services or comply with legal obligations, meaning opting out effectively requires closing the account. You can submit requests to access, delete, or export your personal data through Coinbase's privacy rights portal at privacy.coinbase.com.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    Navigate to privacy.coinbase.com, select 'Delete My Data', and specify that you are requesting deletion of biometric data collected during identity verification. Note that deletion may affect your ability to access Coinbase services.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has enforcement authority over unfair or deceptive biometric data practices under FTC Act Section 5 and has issued specific guidance on biometric information privacy.
    File a complaint →
  • State AG
    State attorneys general in Illinois, Texas, and Washington have enforcement authority over state-specific biometric privacy statutes including BIPA, CUBI, and the My Health MY Data Act.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Coinbase Privacy Policy
Entity
Coinbase
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
April 3, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-000418
Document ID
CA-D-00048
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
e2d4eaa6ef636c27b1f2eeda89403a21fabbd0722c16e0f34e9c2f754985ff07
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Coinbase | Document: Coinbase Privacy Policy | Record: CA-P-000418
Captured: 2026-04-03 08:57:19 UTC | SHA-256: e2d4eaa6ef636c27…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/coinbase/coinbase-privacy-policy/biometric-data-collection/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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