Worldcoin Sign-Ups Hit Record in Argentina Amid Ongoing Data Probe

• Worldcoin saw a record 9,500 sign-ups in a single day in Argentina for its iris-scanning ID product despite ongoing data privacy probes.
• Argentine authorities are investigating how Worldcoin handles user data, following similar action in Kenya.
• Questions remain around Worldcoin’s data practices even as it maintains scanning technology protects privacy.

Despite an ongoing government investigation into its data handling practices, identity-focused crypto project Worldcoin saw demand for its services surge to new heights in Argentina last month.

The startup reported that approximately 9,500 Argentinians signed up for its iris-scanning World ID product in a single day in August, amounting to one new user every 9 seconds. This marked a new daily record for Worldcoin since expanding operations to the South American nation earlier this year.

Despite facing local investigations, Worldcoin achieves a single-day sign-up record in Argentina!

Approximately 9,500 Argentinians verified their World ID in just one day.

2: 🌐 Worldcoin, co-created by Sam Altman, emphasizes identity verification in the crypto space. The… pic.twitter.com/qhzNvtyH5K

— The Token Dispatch (@tokendispatch_) August 31, 2023

Questions Around Data Privacy

The impressive user growth comes even as Argentine authorities scrutinize how Worldcoin collects, stores, and utilizes users’ personal information. The country’s Public Information Access Agency announced this month that it will thoroughly analyze Worldcoin’s data practices and take appropriate measures to address any problems identified.

This action follows the suspension of Worldcoin in Kenya, where the startup had already signed up hundreds of thousands of people for World ID. The Kenyan government halted the project over concerns about consent and data privacy.

Worldcoin maintains that its iris-scanning technology provides users with control over their digital identity while maintaining privacy. The company said it does not have access to the underlying biometric data from the scans.

Still, questions linger around how Worldcoin handles and shares user information. The startup will need to satisfy regulators in Argentina and beyond that it can be trusted with people’s personal data. Striking the right balance between innovation and privacy will be key as Worldcoin seeks mainstream adoption for its digital ID product globally.