Worldcoin, operated by Tools for Humanity, has expanded its services into Mexico, with new World ID centers in Puebla, Mexico. These centers provide ID verification services to ensure users are over 18 and that only unique human beings receive World IDs. Despite this expansion, security and IT experts have issued warnings regarding the project, as Worldcoin is still facing regulatory issues in Mexico and the wider LATAM region. The concern stems from the fact that Worldcoin operates in areas where people may have fewer legal protections and could be more susceptible to exploitation.
Experts like Evin McMullen, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Privado ID, believe that developing a blockchain-powered identity system does not have to be done in the manner in which Worldcoin is operating. Some experts in Mexico, such as Carlos Tlahuel from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, urge citizens to be cautious about providing personal data to companies and to question the necessity of providing biometric data. There is concern that this data could be used for unsavory purposes and that citizens need to be more vigilant about protecting their personal information.
Worldcoin’s decision to target growth in LATAM may be due to potential regulatory hurdles in other regions. Evin McMullen noted that regions like the US and most of the EU have strong personal data protections, making it legally complex and expensive to collect biometric data in those areas. In response to criticisms, Worldcoin has rolled out ID verification solutions to ensure that it does not collect biometric data from minors in LATAM locations. However, there are still concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the project and speculation about its purposes.
Recent reports in Mexican news outlets suggest that many individuals handing over biometric data in Mexico are immigrants from nearby nations like Colombia. Some immigrants claim that third-party agents have exploited them by collecting iris scans but failing to provide cryptoassets in return. Despite these regulatory and privacy concerns, Worldcoin’s progress in LATAM has not been significantly impacted. In fact, Tools for Humanity announced its expansion into Guatemala at the end of last month, indicating that the project is continuing to grow in the region despite the criticisms and warnings from experts.
Overall, the expansion of Worldcoin into Mexico and other LATAM regions has raised concerns among security and IT experts regarding the protection of personal data and potential exploitation of vulnerable populations. While Worldcoin has implemented ID verification solutions to address some of these concerns, there is still a lack of transparency surrounding the project’s practices and intentions. As the project continues to expand in LATAM, it will be important for regulators, experts, and citizens to closely monitor Worldcoin’s activities to ensure the protection of user data and prevent any potential misuse of biometric information.
