An Argentinian lawmaker has introduced a draft bill aimed at regulating Worldcoin and its operator in Argentina. The bill, proposed by Carlos Puglelli, seeks to protect consumer rights by increasing transparency and oversight over companies that collect biometric data, such as Worldcoin. The bill calls for a regulatory framework to control biometric data collection and enforce penalties for any abuse of this data, in response to concerns raised by lawmakers and data protection agencies regarding the use of iris-scanning technology by Worldcoin.
Worldcoin has gained popularity in Argentina, operating over 50 iris-scanning centers in the country. However, the collection and use of biometric data by the project have raised privacy and data-related concerns among lawmakers and regulatory agencies. The Buenos Aires assembly has called for an investigation into Worldcoin, with Romina Braga urging Governor Axel Kicillof to commission a probe. The national data protection agency has also initiated inquiries into Worldcoin earlier this year, highlighting the growing scrutiny over the project’s data practices.
If the bill proposed by Puglelli is adopted, the Provincial Directorate for the Defense of the Rights of Consumers and Users will be appointed as the supervisor of Worldcoin in Argentina. The Directorate will be responsible for monitoring and regulating Worldcoin’s activities to ensure fair and secure consumer relations in the digital sphere. The media reported that Worldcoin has been operating in Argentina for more than a year, with thousands of citizens transferring their biometric data to the Cayman Islands-based firm, highlighting the scale of the project’s operations in the country.
In addition to Argentina, Mexican lawmakers have also expressed concerns over Worldcoin’s activities. Chile and European countries such as Spain, Germany, and France have conducted inspections and requested additional information from Worldcoin to ensure compliance with national regulations. Government agencies in East Asian nations, including South Korea and Hong Kong, have similarly launched investigations into Worldcoin-related activities. The increased regulatory scrutiny and data-related concerns indicate a broader trend of authorities seeking to address privacy issues in the context of emerging technologies and digital platforms.
The bill introduced by Puglelli and the calls for investigations by lawmakers and regulatory agencies reflect a growing awareness of the need to adapt legislation to address the challenges posed by digital technologies and data collection practices. The concerns raised about Worldcoin’s iris-scanning technology and biometric data collection highlight the importance of ensuring transparency, privacy, and consumer protection in the digital economy. The proposed regulatory framework aims to establish clear guidelines for companies collecting biometric data and to hold them accountable for any misuse or abuse of this sensitive information, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding consumer rights in the digital age.
The actions taken by Argentine lawmakers, as well as the inquiries made by regulatory agencies in multiple countries, underscore the global significance of the issues raised by Worldcoin’s data practices. The concerns over privacy, data security, and regulatory compliance surrounding Worldcoin’s operations reflect broader challenges faced by governments and policymakers in addressing the impact of emerging technologies on society. By exploring regulatory frameworks to oversee biometric data collection and promote consumer rights, lawmakers are responding to the evolving landscape of digital innovation and the need for responsible data governance in an interconnected world.
