Argentina opens investigation into Worldcoin

The Argentine Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) has opened an investigation into Sam Altman’s Worldcoin project, as stated on the AAIP site.

According to the statement, the AAIP is interested in the security measures taken to protect users’ privacy.

“During the investigation, the processes and practices of collecting, storing and using personal data will be carefully analyzed. In addition, appropriate steps will be taken to address any identified issues and ensure that the company complies with safety and privacy standards,” the agency stressed.

They added that “the case has attracted wide attention in recent weeks” due to the face and iris-scanning procedure in exchange for “economic compensation” in Buenos Aires and some provinces.

“Such cases show the need to strengthen the existing legal framework for the protection of personal data,” the statement said.

Worldcoin announced the official launch on July 24. The project’s main product — the World ID protocol — is based on zero-knowledge proofs. It is a mobile tool that enables people to verify their identity via retinal scanning or a phone number.

Users receive 25 WLD tokens for biometric verification via the Orb device (WLD) ($42.2 at the time of writing).

Earlier, regulators in the United Kingdom, France and Germany expressed interest in the project's activities.

In August, Kenyan authorities temporarily restricted the local Worldcoin business while assessing potential risks to public safety.

In the same month, media reported raids at local project warehouses.