The Worldcoin project, focused on creating a human identification system using blockchain technology, achieved a remarkable milestone by registering over 9,500 users in a single day in Argentina during August. This achievement was realized with the assistance of facilitators located in 3 8 different locations throughout the country , primarily in Buenos Aires, who managed to guide each participant through the registration process in an average time of less than 9 seconds, as reported on August 31.
Worldcoin, founded by Sam Altman, a co-founder of OpenAI, relies on blockchain to enable individuals to prove their humanity by scanning their irises. Upon successful verification, users receive a "world ID" that can be integrated into future applications, establishing their non-robotic, non-artificial intelligence identity. Sam Altman envisions human IDs as a necessity for the future as AI systems become more sophisticated and less distinguishable from humans.
Despite its record-breaking registration success, Worldcoin has faced criticism, particularly from data privacy advocates who argue that it is too centralized and poses risks of biometric data leakage, potentially harming users. Responding to these concerns, the Worldcoin in team emphasized that demand for global identity verification has increased significantly worldwide post-launch. This heightened interest extended to Argentina, where 9,500 residents verified their global ID cards in a single day during August.
Furthermore, this surge in registrations propelled the Worldcoin app to the top spot on the Argentine App Store for a period. As an incentive, Worldcoin rewards users with its native currency, WLD, upon registration. Currently, new users receive a 25 WLD bonus, valued at approximately 10,239.48 Argentine pesos (ARS) or $29.25 in the open market. Notably, this bonus was considerably higher on launch day, reaching around 23,791 ARS or $68 USD for the 25 WLD bonus.
In response to criticism and privacy concerns, the Worldcoin project maintains that it operates in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing the collection and transfer of biometric data. Consequently, the Argentine government has initiated an investigation into Worldcoin's privacy practices. Additionally, Worldcoin has faced suspension in Kenya, prompting the project's team to release documents asserting their adherence to privacy laws within the country.
