Chile Probes Worldcoin’s Eye Scanning Program Amid Privacy Concerns
Chile’s consumer protection agency, SERNAC, is looking into World’s new eye-scanning program. World, formerly Worldcoin, has launched a pilot where you can scan your irises at home with portable “orbs”.
But user privacy and data security concerns have SERNAC asking the courts to stop the project in Chile. Chile is being cautious as World tries to expand in Latin America through this new biometric verification method.
Expanding Identity Verification with Orbs
World’s eye-scanning devices are the core of its identity verification system. Previously, users had to go to specific locations to verify. The domiciliary pilot brings the verification to the user’s home.
In Latam this would enable fast user adoption, especially with delivery partner Rappi that could distribute orbs widely.
- Orbs: Mobile eye-scanning devices for identity verification
- Objective: Expand access to biometric verification across Latam
- Partner: Rappi, with 300,000 registered drivers in the region
Privacy and Data Security Concerns Raised
SERNAC is investigating World after several complaints in Chile about World’s operations, including data handling and transparency. Minors have been enrolled in the system, World has not disclosed data usage policies and has not provided a way for users to delete their data.
This has raised concerns among Chilean authorities about the privacy implications of the program.
Rappi clarified that although there is a MoU with World to pilot the technology, no trials will be done in Chile. The pilot will start in Argentina in early 2025.
Chile’s Data Transparency Drive
SERNAC is showing that there is a growing need for more stringent data protection as biometric verification is spreading worldwide. SERNAC is concerned about privacy risks and long term storage of users’ biometric data.
As the project advances, Chilean regulators may set a precedent for future biometric technologies in Latam. This increased regulatory scrutiny means World and other companies will have more obstacles to overcome as they roll out similar programs across the region.
SERNAC is showing that data transparency and user privacy is key to protecting citizens’ digital identity as technologies advance. World and other biometric companies will have to meet regulatory standards to gain user trust and compliance in new markets.
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