CEO of Tools for Humanity, Worldcoin Developer, Visits Argentina
The Worldcoin CEO’s recent trip to Argentina has sparked a wave of concern and debate in the South American country. Worldcoin has problems with the justice system in Argentina, and has been banned, or at least supervised in Spain, Portugal and Chile. Worldcoin’s focus on developing countries has drawn significant criticism.
The Worldcoin CEO’s recent trip to Argentina has sparked a wave of concern and debate in the South American country.
The company, known for its iris scanning system in exchange for cryptocurrency, has been banned in several European countries such as Spain and Portugal. However, it now appears to be targeting emerging economies such as Argentina, where economic necessity could be exploited to obtain large-scale biometric data.
Worldcoin CEO Visits Argentina Amid Controversy
Alex Vania, head of Tools for Humanity, the platform behind Worldcoin, has been in Argentina, holding meetings with prominent figures from various sectors. According to a media outlet, Demian Reidel, a member of President Javier Milei’s Council of Advisors, is also included here. This strategic approach suggests an attempt to gain support and possibly influence in the country’s political and economic sphere.
Worldcoin’s focus on developing countries has drawn significant criticism. It is argued that the company takes advantage of vulnerable populations, less informed and desperate for economic resources, to obtain their biometric data.
The promise of a global digital identity may seem attractive in an increasingly digitalized world. However, inherent privacy and security risks raise serious concerns.
In Argentina, the presence of Worldcoin has already generated lines of people willing to undergo iris scanning in exchange for cryptocurrency. This trend, especially evident among young people and during the summer season on the Atlantic Coast, raises questions about the ethics and risks involved in the transaction of biometric data for money.
Iris scanning, like other forms of biometric identification, poses serious risks to people’s privacy and security. The information obtained is unique and permanent, making it a tempting target for potential abuse or data breaches. Furthermore, Worldcoin’s lack of clear regulation and absence of an established legal entity in Argentina further exacerbates these concerns.
In Argentina, the Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) began an investigation in 2023 during which it summoned the company to provide information on the protocol against possible violations of the Personal Data Protection Law, after Multiple complaints regarding them were disclosed.
Worldcoin’s CEO Visit: An Attempt to Disguise His Bad Reputation with the Authorities?
The Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) has launched an investigation into Worldcoin’s activities in Argentina, requesting detailed information on the processing of personal data and the security measures implemented. Despite the lack of a formal legal presence in the country, no bans have yet been imposed against the company.
At the provincial level, Worldcoin’s indictment for alleged abusive clauses in its contracts highlights the need for stricter regulation to protect consumer rights.
The violation of the National Consumer Protection Law is a reminder of the legal and ethical challenges facing the expansion of technologies such as iris scanning in exchange for cryptocurrencies.
The advance of Worldcoin in Argentina raises serious questions about privacy, security and consumer rights in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that governments and society as a whole address these challenges with a combination of regulatory oversight and public awareness.
By Audy Castaneda