Argentina probes Worldcoin’s data practices, responding to legal allegations by Daniel Monastersky, Data Governance Latam partner. 
Kenya suspended Worldcoin post-launch and raided its Nairobi center. 

The government of Argentina has initiated an investigation into Worldcoin, the biometric ID and wallet initiative, focusing on its data practices. On August 7, the Public Information Access Agency (AAIP), the country’s data oversight entity, issued a letter to the Worldcoin Foundation. This communication seeks data from the foundation to confirm its adherence to privacy safeguards for citizens engaged in the project.

The official investigation comes in response to a legal allegation by Daniel Monastersky, a Data Governance Latam partner. The complaint raises concerns about potential Personal Data Protection Act breaches and non-compliance in managing the gathered biometric data.

In a recently issued press statement, the government declared they “will take appropriate steps to address any identified issues and ensure that the company complies with security and privacy standards.”

As per the AAIP’s directives, the Wordcoin Foundation must adhere to protocols outlined in the Personal Data Protection Act. These procedures encompass registering with the agency, providing details about data handling practices, specifying the purpose for data collection, and disclosing the duration of data retention.

Additionally, Worldcoin is tasked with outlining the security and confidentiality protocols it employs to protect the personal data of Argentine residents. Suppose concerns arise as a result of this investigation. In that case, the government has affirmed its commitment to taking necessary actions to rectify any identified issues, ensuring Worldcoin’s alignment with established security and privacy benchmarks.

Global Concerns: Privacy Issues Surrounding Worldcoin

Argentina is not the sole nation expressing apprehension regarding privacy issues linked to Worldcoin. Similar concerns have caught the attention of the Information Commissioner’s Office, a supervisory body in the United Kingdom.

The National Commission of Informatics and Liberty (CNIL), a French authority overseeing privacy matters, has raised legal queries about Worldcoin’s biometric data gathering. Additionally, the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision, a German agency responsible for data-related matters, has scrutinized the project since November 2022.

Following its launch, Kenya promptly halted Worldcoin’s operations within the country due to analogous concerns. Recently, Kenyan authorities raided Worldcoin’s Nairobi center, seizing documents and equipment.

Previously, Vitalik Buterin, one of Ethereum’s co-founders, shared his perspective on the venture. He acknowledged the legitimacy of the privacy and ethical concerns raised around the initiative. However, Buterin also underscored the significance of the project’s proof of personhood in mitigating spam issues.

Conversely, well-known on-chain investigator ZachXBT accused Worldcoin of taking advantage of individuals in developing nations. ZachXBT raised apprehensions that the project’s verification approach might foster the creation of illicit accounts on the black market.

 

1/6 My issues with WorldCoin pic.twitter.com/uJxe9fzows

— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) July 24, 2023

 

The cryptocurrency WLD from Worldcoin experienced a decline, reaching $1.70 in trading. Its 24-hour trading volume increased by 36.18% to reach $100,239,879, yet it encountered a 2.08% drop within the last 24 hours and a 24.95% loss over the previous seven days.

As per the most recent data, the total circulating supply of WLD is 124,212,976, contributing to a market cap of $213,272,337, reflecting a decrease of 2.76% in value.

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ August 11, 2023 6:13 pm