Worldcoin Operator Expands Services in Mexico Despite Government Probe Calls
Worldcoin Operator Expands Iris-Scanning Services in Mexico Despite Lawmakers’ Concerns
The Worldcoin operator Tools for Humanity has announced its expansion of iris-scanning services in Mexico, with new centers opening in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. This move comes in the midst of lawmakers calling for a government probe into the project’s data collection practices.
Worldcoin now has nine regional centers in Mexico, making it the third-largest base for the project in Latin America. The company has also seen success in Argentina, although the nation’s data protection agency launched an investigation into Worldcoin earlier this year. Additionally, Worldcoin operates 21 data collection centers in Chile.
Despite the project’s popularity in Latin America, Mexican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the collection of citizens’ biometric data. MarÃa Eugenia Hernández, an MP for the ruling Morena party, has called on the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI) to investigate the project. Hernández emphasized the importance of establishing clear rules for data use and protection.
Tools for Humanity has been operating in Mexico since July 2023, under the guise of creating a financial and identity network. However, lawmakers like Hernández are urging caution and verification of the safety of handing over biometric data in exchange for cryptocurrency tokens.
Worldcoin’s expansion in Latin America has faced pushback in other regions as well. Officials in Buenos Aires have warned of potential fines, while Chilean government agents have inspected centers and requested additional information to ensure compliance with national regulations.
Investigations into Worldcoin’s practices are ongoing in countries around the world, with some nations like Spain temporarily banning iris-scanning services due to privacy and data concerns. Despite these challenges, Worldcoin continues to expand its services globally.
