Provision record
Coinbase · Coinbase Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Biometric Data Collection

High severity Common · 296 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

Coinbase collects your facial geometry data when you verify your identity, which is some of the most sensitive personal data that exists.

This analysis describes what Coinbase's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

Biometric collection establishes a data processing mechanism tied to Coinbase's identity verification and legal compliance framework. This data category receives different regulatory treatment than standard personal information under biometric privacy statutes in certain jurisdictions.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
6
Months Monitored
Apr 3, 2026
First Seen
Apr 9, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 4187 other provisions on other platforms.

Change history

modified May 28, 2026

Current version consolidates biometric and KYC data collection into a single provision and changes language from 'may collect' to 'collect,' emphasizing active collection of government-issued ID alongside biometric data.

View full change record →

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Your facial geometry is collected during identity verification and stored by Coinbase and potentially its third-party identity verification vendors, creating exposure to biometric data breaches that cannot be remediated by credential rotation.

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.

How other platforms handle this

ZipRecruiter Medium

You may give us your Identity Data, Contact Data, Financial Data, Profile Data, and other information by filling in forms or by corresponding with us by post, phone, e-mail or otherwise.

NVIDIA NIM Medium

NIM container releases that collect data, collect it for the following purposes: (a) to properly configure and optimize products for use with Software; and (b) to improve NVIDIA products and services.

Glassdoor Medium

Some of our ad partners may also enable us to collect similar data directly from their website or app by integrating our or our affiliates' advertising technology.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
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.

Excerpt from Coinbase's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: Collection of biometric identifiers implicates Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14/1 et seq.) requiring written consent, a retention policy, and prohibition on sale; Texas CUBI (Tex.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
ePrivacy Directive
European Union
FCRA
United States Federal
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
GLBA
United States Federal
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
TCPA
United States Federal
UK GDPR
United Kingdom
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
Coinbase Privacy Policy
Entity
Coinbase
Document last updated
May 5, 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
Content hash (SHA-256)
e2d4eaa6ef636c27b1f2eeda89403a21fabbd0722c16e0f34e9c2f754985ff07
Analysis generated
April 3, 2026 08:57 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Coinbase
Document: Coinbase Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-000418
Captured: 2026-04-03 08:57:19 UTC
SHA-256: e2d4eaa6ef636c27…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/coinbase/coinbase-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-000418/biometric-data-collection/
Accessed: Sept. 8, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Coinbase's Biometric Data Collection clause do?

Biometric collection establishes a data processing mechanism tied to Coinbase's identity verification and legal compliance framework. This data category receives different regulatory treatment than standard personal information under biometric privacy statutes in certain jurisdictions.

How does this clause affect you?

Your facial geometry is collected during identity verification and stored by Coinbase and potentially its third-party identity verification vendors, creating exposure to biometric data breaches that cannot be remediated by credential rotation.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 296 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Coinbase?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Coinbase.