World’s Biometric ID Project Finds Unprecedented Success in Argentina Amid Regulatory Pushback

Argentina has emerged as the leading adopter of World, the biometric ID project, boasting over 2.2 million registered users. This accounts for a significant share of the project’s 7 million global users, underscoring the platform’s popularity in the region. Despite regulatory scrutiny, World continues to expand its presence in Argentina, seeing the nation as a cornerstone of its growth in Latin America.

The company’s appeal lies in its unique incentive system, offering its official token, WLD, to users who register their biometric data. This strategy has resonated strongly with Argentine citizens, propelling the country to the forefront of the project’s adoption.

However, the project has not been without controversy. Argentine regulators fined World $200,000 for violations of the National Consumer Defense Law following an investigation into its practices. Despite this, the company has pushed forward, launching an ambitious expansion in June that introduced over 50 orbs—devices used for iris scans—across ten cities. These efforts included educational hubs aimed at raising awareness about the project’s goals.

In a bid to streamline the registration process, World recently initiated a home-based iris scanning pilot in partnership with Rappi, a leading delivery service in Latin America. This program allows users to register from the comfort of their homes, further enhancing accessibility. While the pilot is currently exclusive to Argentina, it has sparked concerns in neighboring Chile, where data protection authorities are scrutinizing Rappi’s involvement.

Additionally, World has announced plans to sell orbs to third-party entities, enabling them to conduct registration campaigns. These intermediaries will earn a commission based on the number of users registered, signaling a decentralized approach to scaling the project.

Beyond Argentina, World is making inroads elsewhere in Latin America, recently launching operations in Brazil. The company unveiled ten orb locations in São Paulo, marking another milestone in its regional expansion.

Despite regulatory hurdles, Argentina remains a pivotal market for World, exemplifying both the opportunities and challenges of scaling a biometric ID system in a dynamic landscape.