Argentines Flock to Controversial 'Worldcoin' Biometrics Project Amidst Economic Crisis

In exchange for cryptocurrency tokens, thousands of Argentines are lining up to have their irises scanned as part of the Worldcoin project, an initiative of OpenAI's Sam Altman. Despite ongoing scrutiny in several countries over privacy concerns, the project has gained significant traction in Argentina, where half a million people have participated, driven by the country's economic crisis and a desire for financial assistance.

Worldcoin: A Controversial Biometrics Project Draws Crowds in Argentina Amid Economic Crisis

In the face of a debilitating economic crisis, thousands of Argentines are flocking to participate in Worldcoin, an online biometrics project that offers cryptocurrency in exchange for iris scans. The initiative, spearheaded by OpenAI chief Sam Altman, has garnered significant attention worldwide, with an estimated three million individuals having provided their iris data to date. However, the project has also raised privacy concerns, prompting investigations in several countries.

Argentina has witnessed an overwhelming response to Worldcoin, with over half a million citizens partaking since its launch in July 2022. As disposable income dwindles amid soaring inflation, queues for iris scans have grown considerably.

"I did it because I don't have any money, for no other reason," stated Juan Sosa, a 64-year-old martial arts teacher, after providing his iris scan at one of the 250 Worldcoin locations across Argentina.

The project aims to utilize unique iris patterns to establish a digital identification system, ensuring the authenticity of online transactions by verifying that users are genuine human beings and not automated bots. Participants are not required to provide any additional personal information, such as their name, address, or phone number.

According to Worldcoin, the iris data collected is encrypted and securely stored. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential privacy risks. Kenya, Spain, and Portugal have ordered the project to suspend its operations while inquiries into these concerns are underway.

Argentina's Agencia para el Acceso a la Información Pública (Agency for Access to Public Information) has initiated an assessment of Worldcoin's security measures to safeguard user privacy. While a decision is pending, the collection of biometric data continues uninterrupted.

"People are going through very tough times, where one salary is not enough," lamented Miriam Marrero, a 42-year-old supermarket cashier, after being scanned in Buenos Aires. "That is why they do these things. Sometimes, to have a roof over your head, you need to do other things to be able to afford it. Otherwise, in Argentina today, you can't afford a roof."

Initially, participants receive 10 tokens of Worldcoin's cryptocurrency, WLD, for their contributions. In Argentina, the value of these tokens fluctuates drastically due to the volatile exchange rate. At the time of Sosa and Marrero's scans, 10 tokens were worth approximately $80.

Natalia Zuazo, a technology policy specialist and director of the digital consulting firm Salto Agencia, attributed the popularity of Worldcoin in Argentina to the country's economic crisis. "The poorest countries are more likely to enter into such transactions," she explained.

Argentina currently grapples with annual inflation exceeding 200%, while self-described "anarcho-capitalist" President Javier Milei has implemented austerity measures, cutting subsidies and diminishing purchasing power.

Worldcoin's mission statement aspires to establish "the world's largest privacy-preserving human identity and financial network," granting universal access to the global economy irrespective of geographical location or background. The company maintains a strict policy against selling personal data.

Nevertheless, regulators worldwide have expressed concerns over the collection, storage, and potential misuse of biometric data. Zuazo emphasized the sensitivity of person-specific information such as iris scans and its potential vulnerability to nefarious identification purposes.

"I don't think people do not understand the implications," she said. "They just do it out of necessity."

Student Ulises Herrera, 20, expressed his reluctance to participate in the scan without the financial incentive. "The iris is something that cannot be changed and I don't know who has that data. That's what scares me," he stated.

Others adopted a more relaxed attitude towards the potential risks.

"For years I have given my personal data to many different companies, at least this one will give me money," said Federico Mastronardi, a 33-year-old musician.

Marrero, the cashier, added with a touch of humor: "I am not afraid they will make another version of me, as long as they make a better one!"

While the controversy surrounding Worldcoin continues to unfold, the economic realities in Argentina have driven citizens to seek alternative sources of income. Amidst the uncertainty and hardship, the promise of cryptocurrency rewards has proven alluring, leading to widespread participation in the project. However, the long-term implications of providing such sensitive biometric data remain a subject of ongoing debate and regulatory scrutiny.