Worldcoin officials are aiming to mend their relationship with regulators in Argentina, as Tools for Humanity CEO Alex Blania meets with President Javier Milei’s advisors. The Tools for Humanity chief recently held meetings with government officials, including Demian Reidel, a member of Milei’s Council of Advisors.
Worldcoin has gained significant popularity in Argentina, operating over 50 iris-scanning centers in the country. It is estimated that around 3 million people in Argentina have provided their data in exchange for WLD tokens. Despite the rise in Mexican and Chilean users, Argentina remains the nation with the highest adoption of Worldcoin in the Latin American region.
However, Tools for Humanity has faced continuous resistance from the Argentinian authorities. In 2023, the Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP), the nation’s data protection agency, initiated an investigation and summoned company officials to ensure compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law. The AAIP has also requested written explanations regarding the data that Worldcoin processes and its purposes.
The government agency has expressed concerns about the retention of citizens’ data and the safety of the devices used for facial and iris scanning. It has also noted that Worldcoin does not have a legal presence or formal offices in Argentina. The province of Buenos Aires has launched its own investigations, with lawmakers calling for regulatory measures and the Provincial Directorate for the Defense of Consumer Rights examining potential violations of the National Consumer Defense Law.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny and controversies, there is currently no indication of a complete ban on Worldcoin operations in Argentina, similar to what happened in Kenya. Blania’s meetings with various government figures aim to resolve the issues and put an end to any speculation. Worldcoin remains hopeful that the discussions will lead to a resolution and a positive outcome for its operations in Argentina.
