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Argentina has become the country where World, the biometric ID project, is most popular, with over 2.2 million registered users despite backlash from authorities. The company plans to expand its footprint in the country by implementing home-based iris scanning options next year.
Argentina Becomes World’s No. 1 Nation Amidst Criticism
World, the proof of personhood project, is enjoying a popularity surge in Argentina, where citizens see its offering as compelling. According to the organization, out of more than 7 million users registered, over 2.2 million are Argentine citizens who are enticed to register their personal biometric information by the bounty delivered in WLD, the project’s official token.
However, the popularity of the project has not been free from criticism, and World has faced increased oversight from regulators in Buenos Aires, which ruled against the institution after a probe that resulted in a fine of $200,000 due to several National Consumer Defense Law violations.
Read more: Worldcoin Gets Hit With $200,000 Fine in Buenos Aires
However, despite all this opposition, the company has made Argentina a pivotal part of its Latin American deployment. In June, it announced an expansion that would bring over 50 orbs—the machines that allow users to scan their irises—to ten cities, including two special locations focused on educating the public about the relevance of World’s objectives.
Read more: Worldcoin to Establish Latam Hub in Argentina Despite Heavy Scrutiny
The company has accelerated its pace in Argentina, having recently announced the start of a pilot that seeks to ease the users’ burden of registering their information in the system. World announced the pilot that will take Orbs to homes across Argentina, in a partnership with Rappi, one of the largest delivery companies in Latam.
This announcement caused a backlash in Chile, with personal data authorities moving to probe Rappi’s activities. However, the pilot is only limited to Argentina, according to Rappi’s statements. The company also plans to sell the Orbs and allow third parties to spearhead registering campaigns, giving these intermediaries a cut based on registry volumes.
Last week, World completed a milestone, launching operations in Brazil and opening 10 different locations with orbs available in São Paulo.
Read more: World Lands in Brazil: Launching Biometric Operations in São Paulo