Argentinian lawmakers have raised concerns about the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project, calling for regulation and investigation into the iris-scanning technology used by the company. Buenos Aires parliament member Carlos Puglelli has introduced a draft bill to regulate companies that collect biometric data through iris scans, including Worldcoin. The bill aims to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency regarding the use of biometric data collected by such companies. The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of Worldcoin’s operations in Argentina, where it operates over 50 iris-scanning centers.
In mid-April, another Buenos Aires assembly member, Romina Braga, called for an official investigation into Worldcoin, citing privacy and data-related concerns. The national data protection agency in Argentina has also launched an investigation into Worldcoin earlier this year. Puglelli’s bill proposes the creation of a regulatory framework to govern the collection of biometric data and impose penalties for any abuse of such data. The bill also designates the Provincial Directorate for the Defense of the Rights of Consumers and Users as the supervisor of Worldcoin, responsible for ensuring fair consumer relations and IT security in the digital sphere.
Worldcoin has been operating in Argentina for more than a year, with thousands of citizens transferring their biometric data to the Cayman Islands-based company. Concerns about the use of iris-scanned data by Worldcoin have prompted lawmakers to push for greater transparency and oversight. The Buenos Aires Ministry of Production, Science, and Technological Innovation has also conducted investigations into Worldcoin’s data protection practices, indicating a broader interest in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Similar data-related concerns have emerged in other countries where Worldcoin operates, including Portugal, Chile, Spain, Germany, and France. Government agencies in East Asian nations like South Korea and Hong Kong have also launched investigations into Worldcoin. The calls for regulation and investigations reflect a growing awareness of the need to protect data privacy and consumer rights in the digital age. It remains to be seen how these efforts will impact Worldcoin’s operations and public perception as scrutiny intensifies.
