The Argentine Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) has taken a proactive step by initiating an investigation into Worldcoin's activities to determine the legality of its data collection practices within the South American nation. In an announcement made on Tuesday, 8 August 2023, the AAIP outlined its objective of thoroughly examining the security protocols implemented to safeguard the privacy of Worldcoin users in Argentina.

The agency highlighted that the case has garnered significant public attention in recent weeks due to the controversial practice of scanning the facial features and irises of numerous individuals in exchange for financial compensation. This procedure has been conducted at various locations across Buenos Aires City and the provinces of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Río Negro.

According to the AAIP, entities like Worldcoin are required to undergo a registration process with the agency. This process involves providing comprehensive information about the data processing policies, specifying the purpose behind the collection of sensitive data, and detailing the retention period for such data. Additionally, the AAIP mandates a clear disclosure of the security and confidentiality measures implemented to safeguard the personal information of individuals. However, the agency has not confirmed whether Worldcoin is currently in compliance with these standards.

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Responding to the investigation, Worldcoin issued a statement to CoinDesk, asserting its commitment to adhering to all relevant laws and regulations governing the processing of personal data in the markets where it operates. The company emphasized that its operations, including those in Argentina, are conducted in accordance with the provisions of Argentina's Personal Data Protection Act 25.326.

This development follows Worldcoin's recent encounters with regulatory challenges in other countries as well. Notably, Kenya's Ministry of the Interior recently suspended Worldcoin's operations, leading to a subsequent raid by the Kenyan police on a Nairobi warehouse associated with the company. During the raid, authorities seized documents and machinery linked to Worldcoin's activities.

The Argentine AAIP's decision to investigate Worldcoin underscores the growing concerns surrounding data privacy and security in the realm of emerging technologies. As governments and regulatory bodies worldwide take a closer look at the practices of such entities, the outcome of these investigations will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of data handling and protection.