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Experts have raised concerns regarding Worldcoin as the project’s operator, Tools for Humanity, continues to broaden its reach in Mexico.
On October 5, Mexican news sources like Diario de Puebla reported that Worldcoin has introduced new World ID services and facilities in Puebla, a significant city located in east-central Mexico.
Worldcoin has established four centers in Puebla, along with ID verification services to confirm that users are at least 18 years old.
Vice governor @lucasaromero was the first individual to undergo World ID verification at the Worldcoin launch in Misiones, Argentina
pic.twitter.com/mRIe3kPpT3
— Worldcoin (@worldcoin) September 28, 2024
Mexico: Worldcoin Alerts Amid LATAM Growth
The organization will also utilize its services to guarantee that only “unique human beings” are issued World IDs.
Nonetheless, security and IT professionals have voiced their concerns, as Worldcoin continues to face regulatory challenges in Mexico and the broader LATAM region.
“Worldcoin is functioning in areas where individuals may be in more vulnerable situations and possess fewer legal safeguards. It’s understandable why many leaders find this troubling. However, I want to stress that creating a blockchain-based identity system doesn’t have to be approached in this manner.”
Evin McMullen, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Privado ID
According to UNO TV, Carlos Tlahuel, a security expert from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, advised individuals in the country to be “cautious about how their personal data is handled by companies.”
The Library of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. (Source: Gomnrz [CC BY 4.0])
He stated that individuals should consider “whether it is truly necessary to provide” companies with biometric data and question “why companies are requesting it.”
“In Mexico […] we need citizens to be more assertive […] and to question whether it is genuinely necessary to provide the data that is sometimes requested to access a service. In many cases, this data is fragmented. The data can occasionally be utilized for [unethical] purposes.”
Carlos Tlahuel, security expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico
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Inside a Worldcoin center in Mexico. (Source: NMás/YouTube/Screenshot)
Some suggest that Worldcoin has strategically focused on growth in LATAM due to potential regulatory challenges in other regions.
Evin McMullen, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at the digital identity firm Privado ID, informed Cryptonews.com:
“Innovative technology aimed at securing the identities of the entire internet should be developed by empowering all communities. Worldcoin does not operate in the US or most of the EU. It’s important to note that those areas have substantial financial resources and robust personal data protections, representing significant user bases and value in digital environments. This makes the collection of biometric data costly and legally intricate there.”
Worldcoin has addressed criticisms by implementing ID verification measures to ensure it does not gather biometric data from minors in various LATAM locations.
“All organizations must provide explanations regarding why personal data is collected and how it will be utilized. Biometric data clearly requires special consideration, and [Worldcoin] has not clarified why it needs it. This lack of transparency fosters speculation. Additionally, some countries do not view this project favorably.”
Carlos Tlahuel, National Autonomous University of Mexico
Reports from Mexican media have indicated that many individuals providing their biometric data in Mexico are immigrants from neighboring countries like Colombia.
Inside a Worldcoin center in Mexico. (Source: NMás/YouTube/Screenshot)
Some allege that third-party agents have taken advantage of immigrants by collecting iris scans without delivering cryptoassets in exchange.
In April, AFP (via Expansion) quoted a 64-year-old Argentinian martial arts instructor named Juan Sosa as stating:
“[I scanned my iris at a Worldcoin center] because I don’t have a penny, there’s no other reason. I didn’t want to do it. But due to my age, no one will hire me. And I need the money.”
Regulatory and privacy issues seem to have had little impact on Worldcoin’s advancement in LATAM, however. Late last month, Tools for Humanity announced its expansion into Guatemala.
The post Experts Issue Worldcoin Warning as Operator Widens Mexico Expansion appeared first on Cryptonews.
